Two of the UAE's goals came from VAR-ruled penalties, while a late Hong Kong goal was chalked off after the referee checked the screen. Coach Jorn Andersen warned his players before the game that the "gap is very big" between themselves and the continent's footballing elite.

But there was no yawning gulf in class as the tournament's lowest-ranked side kicked off their campaign. In their first Asian Cup match since 1968, Hong Kong fell behind just after the half-hour mark.

Referee Muhammad Taqi was called to the pitch-side screen to rule on a possible handball in the box by Hong Kong defender Oliver Gerbig. After a lengthy check, a penalty was given and duly converted by Sultan Adil.

Hong Kong levelled four minutes after the break, Philip Chan bundling home an Everton Camargo cross. The UAE regained the lead almost instantly through Zayed Sultan as he slotted into an unguarded net.

With half an hour left, Andersen rolled the dice with an attacking double substitution, sending on forwards Stefan Pereira and Michael Udebuluzor. Hong Kong defender Li Ngai-hoi then survived another VAR scare, his tackle in the box ruled legal.

As the clock ticked down Hong Kong pushed for a second equaliser, their chances helped by the addition of 10 minutes' stoppage time. But after a third VAR check against them, the referee pointed once again to the spot and Yahya Al-Ghassani converted.

Hong Kong had the ball in the net one last time, but VAR intervened to deny them. Group C also contains Palestine and Iran, who play in Sunday's late game.

P. Siu Kwan

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