The UAE’s youngsters can only improve after being dealt a harsh lesson by Iraq during their preparations for September’s 2016 AFC U-16 Championship, according to coach Abdul Majeed Al Nimr.

Al Nimr’s side went down to a chastening 3-0 loss to the Lion Cubs of Mesopotamia on Friday in Dubai. This match marked the end of an internal training camp before the nation’s brightest prospects headed off to Slovenia today to continue the build-up to the continental competition – which acts as a qualifier for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup – which kicks-off in September.

Ali Ahmed Radi and Mohammed Jaber goals put the visitors to the UAE Football Association’s headquarters in Al Khawaneej 2-0 up, with Ahmed Omar sealing it via a 80th-minute penalty. “My impressions of the match are useful regardless of the outcome,” Al Nimr insisted. “It gives the coaching staff a lot of positive and negative points that will be very useful for us.”

The UAE have been drawn against hosts India, Iran and Saudi Arabia in Group A for the 16-team competition, which is to take place in Goa from September 15-October 2. This is a vital period for Al Nimr’s boys, with a top-four finish guaranteeing progression to next year’s global event irregardless of how India, who will put on that tournament as well, get on.

Al Nimr believed his side can only get better after the Iraq defeat.

He said: “The good thing is that we played today against a good team which has good physical ability. This contributes to increasing the power and understanding among our players.

“This will contribute a lot in the preparation of the team and make us better in time for the finals.”