UAE start Gulf Cup campaign in style

MUSTAFA ABUMUNES / AFP

The UAE national football team have got off to a flying start in the Gulf Cup.

The two-time champions crushed Yemen 3-0 in their Group 1 match on Tuesday, thanks to a hat-trick from Ali Mabkhout.

He struck twice in the first-half and added a third after the break to help set up the win.

Iraq had earlier overcome hosts Qatar 2-1 in the tournament opener.

Eight teams are competing in the event, which concludes on December 8.

The UAE's next group match is against Iraq on Friday.

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