UAE, the 1996 runners-up and semi-finalists in the last two editions, will be wary of a Hong Kong side eager to impress on their long overdue return to the continental showpiece..
Winning record
While the two sides will meet in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, UAE hold the head-to-head advantage – having defeated Hong Kong twice in 2013 by 4-0 margins.

Tough to beat
UAE have lost only one of their six group stage games across 2015 and 2019, but were knocked out in the semi-finals of both editions by the eventual champions Australia and Qatar.

Long awaited return
Hong Kong are appearing in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time since 1968 and the fourth time overall; they will be looking to log their first win at the tournament after three draws and seven losses from 1956 to 1968.

Sharp as ever
Ali Mabkhout’s 22 total shots at the 2019 edition were the second most of any player at the tournament after IR Iran’s Sardar Azmoun (28).