As the countdown begins before the curtains are raised at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, the 24 teams are putting in the finishing touches in their bid for Asia’s ultimate prize.

Qatar have been the busiest team in recent weeks and have showed great ambitions in lifting their first-ever AFC Asian Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over Jordan and a 1-0 win over AFC Asian Cup debutants Kyrgyz Republic.

However, the West Asian side’s undefeated streak since their win over Switzerland in November came to an end with double losses against Algeria 1-0 and three-time AFC Asian Cup champions Islamic Republic of Iran 2-1.

In what will be the biggest and best AFC Asian Cup, Asia's top 24 teams will vie to lift the sparkling new trophy come February 1.

Join the-AFC.com as we kick off our previews with a look at Group A.

Syria will be seeking a win after the Socceroos ended their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in the Continental Playoff while Palestine and Jordan will be aiming for extended campaigns too.

We take a look at the Group B challenge.

Iran, seeking a third AFC Asian Cup title, defeated in-form Qatar 2-1, Vietnam overcame the Philippines 4-2 while Kyrgyz Republic beat Palestine 2-1.

Australia 5-0 Oman

Dubai: Australia were in superb form at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai.

The Socceroos had suffered several setbacks in their preparation for their UAE 2019 challenge with Daniel Arzani and Aaron Mooy missing out due to injuries, but their dominance over Oman began as early as the 10th minute with Andrew Nabbout opening the scoring.

Bahrain, who will play hosts UAE in the opening match of the Continental showpiece on January 5, took the lead through Mohammed Al Romaihi in the ninth minute.

Ahmad Jumaa doubled Bahrain's advantage in the 35th minute.

Jamal Rashed added the third for Bahrain, who defeated Lebanon 1-0 in a friendly on December 26, in the 65th minute before Kameel Al Aswad sealed an emphatic win for Miroslav Soukup's side just a minute later.

UAE 0-2 KUWAIT

Dubai: UAE, preparing to host the AFC Asian Cup 2019, fell to a surprise 2-0 to Kuwait.

Kuwait claimed victory through Bader Al Mutawa and Omar Beitar's goals in the 45th and 86th minutes respectively.