The UAE are still emboldened with confidence for their mission to make World Cup 2018 despite their loss to Australia, according to forward Ali Mabkhout.
Substitute Tim Cahill’s 48th international goal secured a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors to Abu Dhabi. But this setback came five days after Ahmed Khalil’s brace kicked off their third-and-final round commitments with an outstanding 2-1 win in Japan.
With matches now to come next month against minnows Thailand and local rivals Saudi Arabia, Al Jazira star Mabkhout was convinced a return to winning ways would materialise.
“It is true that we lost to Australia, but we are confident that we can make up for that, especially because we still have a long way to go and winning outside the UAE is still highly possible,” said the 25-year-old, who endured a poor display on his home turf at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
“We started with the toughest games in qualification, against teams as strong as Japan and Australia, while the other teams in the group have not played against them, particularly Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
“Despite our defeat to Australia, we have greatly benefited from the game. It has heightened the spirit of competition and confidence among all the players in a bid for redemption.
“So, we are confident that we can get back on track and win the remaining games.”
A rare win in the Middle East saw Socceroos continue at the top of Group B on six points.
The game had even more pertinence for Bani Yas’ Mark Milligan. The 31-year-old wore the captain’s armband and filled the anchorman role with aplomb in Abu Dhabi because of Mile Jedinak’s absence through injury.
He praised his team’s solid start, but warned they hadn’t achieved anything yet.
“It’s been a long time since we won a game in the Middle East — I think four years — so this was very important for us,” Milligan said.
“We’ve another tough test against Saudi Arabia and Japan, but we know if we don’t play well in the next games then this result won’t mean anything.”
A battle to finish third and compete to win a berth in the intercontinental play-off is looming between the UAE and the Saudis, who meet next month.
“We have promised to make up in the coming games and try to win the next two rounds,” said Al Ahli left-back Walid Abbas.