Alongside 2017 AFC Player of the Year Omar Khribin, the Al Ahli hitman helped Syria to within 180 minutes of a historic qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with only a narrow playoff defeat to Australia ending their campaign.

Speaking ahead of his side's opening match against Palestine at Sharjah Stadium on Sunday, Al-Soma revealed his belief that his are capable of becoming a force in their first AFC Asian Cup since 2011.

"That was a big match (against Australia), and everyone knows there are a lot of differences between then and now," he told the-AFC.com. "We are convinced that we are a strong team, especially in terms of fitness, and we are convinced that we can play against any team in Asia."

The two teams are making a welcome return to the Continental showpiece, with India last appearing in 2011 and Thailand four years earlier.

Drawn in a group that also includes the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, a win for either India and Thailand will go a long way to boosting their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16, a fact not lost on the head coaches of both teams, who also accept that the opener is going to be far from easy.

“Our preparations has been quite exceptional and tomorrow is the first game that will open the door for Palestine football to announce to Asia and world that we’re here,” said Palestine head coach Noureddine Ould Ali.

“It is a very exciting moment for us as we enter the arena with Syria and we look forward to a strong match and fair play. We’re representing our country and we want to make Palestine proud.”

The Socceroos claimed their first-ever AFC Asian Cup title on home soil in 2015 but, with a rejuvenated squad and a new man at the helm, Arnold was quick to stress he and his players are focused only on what lies ahead.

“That was four years ago, it was in our own nation and it’s a great memory for the Australian public, but in four years many things change in and around the team and also in people’s personal lives,” said Arnold, who took over as Australia coach following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

“It’s a great memory, but we’re totally focused on what’s in front of us. We can’t do anything about the past and what’s in front of us is the Asian Cup. For the players and myself it’s time to get the show started. Everyone’s been talking about it for a long time and we’ve prepared for it and we’re ready.”

Azkals midfielder Luke Woodland (pictured above, centre) was born in Abu Dhabi, just over an hour away from Dubai's Al Maktoum Stadium, where the Southeast Asians will begin their Group C campaign against the highly-rated Korea Republic.

Woodland's family relocated to England when he was two years old, but he revealed his delight at returning to the country of his birth for the Philippines' historic first step on the Continental stage.

Both teams arrived in Dubai and have planned several training sessions before their respective UAE 2019 matches.

The 17th edition of the AFC Asian Cup, which will be the biggest and best Continental showpiece, kicks off on Saturday with hosts United Arab Emirates taking on Bahrain in their Group A opener at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Check out the individual national team kits by groups below: