The UAE remain on course for a successful 2019 AFC Beach Soccer Championship after they thrashed China 6-2 and made the knockouts.

Abbas Ali scored twice for Mohamed Al Maazmi’s side, who are determined to improve on 2017’s final defeat. They next meet Lebanon – who battered debutants Kyrgyzstan 11-2 – on Monday in a battle to decide who finishes top of Group B in Pattaya, Thailand.

“I want to thank the players,” said the Whites coach, whose charges opened with a 6-1 victory versus Kyrgyzstan. “I think China had nothing to lose and that’s why the game was very difficult.”

Guo Xuchenjiao had given China a surprise third-minute lead. Veteran Ali Karim, Ali (2), Walid Mohammad, Kamal Ali and Ahmed Beshr all struck to make it 6-1, prior to Liu Yisi’s late consolation.