14 January 2024 at 14:30
Match Summary
United Arab Emirates defeated Hong Kong 3:1. The match was played in Asian Cup 2023. Goals were scored by Sultan Adil 34′ (pen.), Philip Chan Siu Kwan 49′, Zayed Sultan 52′, Yahya Al Ghassani 90′ (pen.). 3 yellow cards were shown. United Arab Emirates had 71% possession while Hong Kong held 29%. United Arab Emirates had 21 shots (7 on target) compared to 16 (5 on target) for Hong Kong. United Arab Emirates made 5 substitutions, Hong Kong made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Sultan Adil 31′), Penalty cancelled (Abdulla Salmeen 73′), Penalty confirmed (Sultan Adil 90′), Goal cancelled (Michael Udebuluzor 90′).
Match Events
Key match events between United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong — 4 goals and 3 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
assist: Everton Camargo
Penalty
Match Statistics
United Arab Emirates had 71% possession against Hong Kong's 29%. United Arab Emirates registered 21 shots (7 on target) while Hong Kong managed 16 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 5–4. Fouls committed: 7–21.
Lineups
United Arab Emirates lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Paulo Bento, while Hong Kong deployed a 4-3-3 under J. Andersen.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for United Arab Emirates is 6.95, compared to 6.58 for Hong Kong. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. United Arab Emirates's highest-rated starter is Abdalla Ramadan (7.28), while Hong Kong's best-rated player is Tan Chun Lok (7.15).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of United Arab Emirates have contributed 4 goals and 5 assists this season, led by Fábio Lima (2G). Hong Kong's starters account for 5 goals and 2 assists, spearheaded by Philip Chan Siu Kwan (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
United Arab Emirates deploy 3 defenders rated 6.68 on average, against Hong Kong's 4-man backline averaging 6.54. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
United Arab Emirates field 4 midfielders averaging 7.02, versus Hong Kong's 3 rated 7.15. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
United Arab Emirates start 3 forward(s) averaging 7.08, compared to 3 for Hong Kong averaging 6.63. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for United Arab Emirates and 73% for Hong Kong. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
United Arab Emirates's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 2 for Hong Kong. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of United Arab Emirates's starting XI is 27.7 (youngest: Sultan Adil (21), oldest: Khalid Eisa (36)), while Hong Kong average 29.0 (youngest: Chan Shinichi (23), oldest: Yapp Hung Fai (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
United Arab Emirates's starters average 9 league appearances each, versus 4 for Hong Kong. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: Paulo Bento
Substitutes
Coach: J. Andersen
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, United Arab Emirates have recorded 1 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats. Hong Kong show 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 losses from their last 6 outings.
United Arab Emirates
Hong Kong
API data: 20 Apr 2026