Asian Cup: UAE beats India by 2-0 in Group A match

A spirited India dominated pre-game favourites the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before going down 0-2 in their second Group A match at the Asian Cup football tournament here on Thursday. The Indians dominated the first half and were unlucky to miss out on their second consecutive victory.

They created around half a dozen clear chances most of which came off the woodwork.

India, who beat Thailand 4-1 in their campaign opener, now have 3 points from two matches. The UAE, who drew 1-1 with Bahrain, have four points from two matches. The UAE took the lead against the run of play when Khalfan Mubarak (41st minute) produced a well-placed finish a short while before the break.

The hosts played better in the second-half even as the visibility disheartened Indians tried hard for the equaliser. The UAE got their second goal a couple of minutes before the end of regulation time when a long ball caught most of the Indian defence out of position and Ali Mabkho (88th) scored with a cool finish.