Fabio Lima says UAE must raise game in Arabian Gulf Cup clash with Kuwait after Qatar draw

Victory for national team against hosts on Tuesday can put them in driver’s seat in Group A

Fabio Lima, left, scored four goals in the UAE's 5-0 World Cup qualifier win over Qatar last month but failed to find the target in their Arabian Cup clash against the same opponents. AFP

The UAE’s Brazilian striker Fabio Lima said his team missed a “golden opportunity” to top Group A in the Arabian Gulf Cup after their 1-1 draw against Qatar on Saturday.

A four-goal hero in the 5-0 trouncing of Qatar in their 2026 World Cup qualifier last month, Lima admitted that they had wasted several good scoring opportunities in a game they had dominated for the most part.

“We could have returned with full points from this game to top the group. It could have made our passage to reach the knockout round much easier,” Lima said.

“The players gave an excellent performance, and we were the most dominant and dangerous side on the pitch, but we couldn’t convert the final shot into a goal.

UAE's Marcus Meloni during the Arabian Gulf Cup draw with Qatar in Kuwait on Saturday, December 21, 2024. UAEFA

“However, the result is not too bad with the game between Kuwait and Oman also ending in a 1-1 stalemate.”

Lima called on his team to put the result of the Qatar game behind them and focus on Tuesday's meeting with hosts Kuwait.

“We learnt a bitter lesson against Qatar. We don’t want to do the same mistakes against a team that will have their home fans behind them. So, it won’t be easy for us,” he said.

“We need to cut down on the mistakes. If we can do that, I’m pretty sure we can come out with a win. All my fellow players are aware of the situation we are in and I’m sure we can all get together to put up a big effort to deliver that win.”

On his four goals against Qatar last month, Lima echoed the sentiments of his manager Paulo Bento, saying that every game was different and there was never any guarantee of repeating good results.

“We faced the same opponent after a big win against Qatar when we last met,” he said.

“Everyone expected a big win this time, and maybe another 5-0 win, and this is completely untrue, because the match is different, and the competition is different.

UAE striker Harib Abdalla takes on the Qatar midfield in the Arabian Gulf Cup. UAEFA

“Qatar are a strong side and they have some outstanding players in every line. They played against us with the motive of not losing, so they were more defensive, and played for a draw, which they achieved at the end.

“Even with their defensive strategy, we created many scoring opportunities, but unfortunately we couldn’t put the finishing touches on those chances we created.

“Now we have to focus on the upcoming matches and obviously play well for the remainder of the tournament if we have to go all the way, which obviously is the objective.”

All four teams in Group A are level on one point and with the same goal difference after Saturday's opening matches, with Kuwait and Oman also finishing 1-1.

Qatar now face Oman in Tuesday’s early kick-off at the Jaber Al Mubarak Al Hamad Stadium while the UAE face Kuwait in the later game at the Jaber Al Ahmed Stadium.

“It’s very interesting but challenging with all four teams on equal points. A win here can put us in a good position and that’s what we want to achieve on the night,” Lima added.