After both teams failed to score in the first half it appeared that Mahdi Ali’s side would continue with their recent struggles in front of goal before Khalil put on a goalscoring master-class after the break. The UAE had only scored two goals in their previous six international matches and, despite conceding a brace, will be more than happy with their display. Ali’s men will face fellow AFC Asian Cup sides Oman, Kuwait and Iraq in the Gulf Cup which kicks off on November 13.
