The UAE players must “show responsibility” and get their stuttering 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track tonight against minnows Timor-Leste, according to boss Mahdi Ali.

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The Whites sit a distant second behind Group A leaders Saudi Arabia after a disappointing 2-1 defeat in Jeddah last time out. That result saw them lose crucial ground in the battle to be one of the four best runners-up who will also proceed to the third round in the AFC process.

Speaking prior to this evening’s game against the 162nd-ranked visitors to Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Ali urged his troops not to waste an ideal opportunity to close the gap on the Green Falcons to three points and take destiny into their own hands.

He said: “Regardless of the result against Saudi Arabia last time, whatever happened there, we have four games left and we have to win all four.

“OK, we now have an advantage if we win all four as we can go first. But all our concentration is on the game against Timor-Leste.

“We have to focus on this game, it is important to start a new cycle in the second round. I think it is a good opportunity for players to show responsibility for this game.”

The UAE had hoped to carry the form from January’s fine third place at the Asian Cup into their bid to make a second appearance in the globe’s premier event. But pressure has built around the Whites after an underwhelming display last month against the Saudis, in which lethal striker Mohammad Al Sahlawi struck at the end of both halves.

“It is an important match, it is like a cup final for us,” said veteran centre-back Ismail Ahmed. “We would like to give a really good performance as against Saudi Arabia, we faced some obstacles and were not at 100 per cent.”

Ali is without suspended star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman and injured defensive midfielder Khamis Esmail. His preparation has also been complicated by the late appearances of Al Ahli’s six-strong contingent, following last Saturday’s goalless first leg of the AFC Champions League final against Guangzhou Evergrande.

He said: “When I put together a starting list, I don’t do it just for Ahli players, I have my own way .

“Only Omar Abdulrahman will miss the match through suspension and Khamis Esmail is coming back from injury. There might also be some changes to the starting line-up.”