The UAE’s dream of making the Beach Soccer World Cup’s knockout stages at the fifth time of asking could become real on Monday morning when they face Panama.

The Whites got off to the perfect start in their Group C-opener as Haitham Mohamed’s brace helped earned a 3-2 victory against ex-coach Guga’s Paraguay. After Mohamed scored twice, Waleed Beshr struck what turned out to be the winner in the third period in front of 1,900 fans at Nassau Stadium in the Bahamas.

The triumph in the early hours on Saturday UAE time for protege Mohamed Bashir against mentor Guga – who departed earlier this year after two years in charge – saw his side move into second, following holders Portugal’s 7-0 hammering of Panama. If another win is registered against the Central Americans at 04:00 on Monday, the Emiratis will earn their debut in the knockout stages.

“Thank God for the first, important three points at the start of the Beach Soccer World Cup,” UAE Football Association president Marwan bin Ghalita tweeted. “God willing these heroes do well in the next match.”

UAE’s Group C fixtures and results

Saturday

UAE 3-2 Paraguay

Monday

04:00 Panama v UAE

Wednesday

04:00 UAE v Portugal