India's rivals in Group A of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, UAE and Bahrain, were in action recently in the ongoing international break.
UAE, one of the favourites to win Group A, are currently in Spain as they prepare for the tournament in January. They took on Trinidad & Tobago, who are placed 14 spots below UAE in the FIFA rankings, in Girona but were handed a 2-0 loss.
Alberto Zaccheroni’s side fell behind to an eighth-minute goal from Ataulla Guerra before Nathan Lewis slid home the second 13 minute from time. The Whites were unable to muster a response of their own.
After a disappointing result, UAE will now play Laos on Tuesday, also in Spain.
Meanwhile, Bahrain were held to a 1-1 draw by the Philippines on Thursday. Phil Younghusband had scored a penalty to give the Philippines the lead but an injury-time goal from Sayed Adnan Hussein ensured the match ended in a draw.
India are placed alongside Bahrain, UAE and Thailand in Group A
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