Australia fashioned the first opportunity of the match in the third minute when Max Anastasio’s inswinging freekick was flicked onto the bar by captain Quinn Macnicol.

Moments later, the Joeys threatened again through Amlani Tatu’s 30-yard free-kick that was tipped over by UAE goalkeeper Mohammed Nasser Albastaki.

UAE responded to Australia’s early threats by launching a potent counterattack to take the lead in the ninth minute.

Mohammed Gamal made his way down the right channel and floated in a perfect delivery for the unmarked Mayed Adel to nod home.

Australia tried to respond through another Tatu set-piece, but found Nasser’s fingertips an obstacle yet again.

UAE almost made it 2-0 in the 28th minute, but goalkeeper Jai Ajanovic came to Australia’s rescue by smothering Mohammad Ahmad Alfalasi’s close range effort.

Nasser preserved UAE’s lead two minutes into the restart when he dived full-stretch to tip Anastasio’s effort onto the post as Australia looked to take the game to their opponents. 

It was UAE, however, who doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute through a gem of a strike from Mohamed Buti Almarar, who took Gamal’s diagonal pass in stride before unleashing a thunderbolt into the top corner. 

Australia had a good chance to reduce the deficit in the 68th minute, but Anthony Didulica could only fire straight at Nasser from four yards. 

Tatu squandered an even better opportunity in the 80th minute, missing the target with the goal at his mercy after Nasser tipped Macnicol’s drive onto the post as UAE closed out the match for a deserved victory despite Ali Al Jasmi receiving his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card in stoppage time.