With the memories still fresh after their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Gulf neighbours Saudi Arabia that cost them the Gulf Cup title, the UAE lads are determined to reconcile with their fans before their home clash against Uzbekistan on January 28 at Sharjah Stadium.

The UAE need to win all their away and home clashes to secure a spot in the second stage of the competition.

The real challenge will be posted by Uzbekistan. Unless the UAE secure a comfortable victory on home soil, their mission will extremely difficult in Pakhtakor Stadium in Tashkent.

The UAE squadron headed for Kuala Lumpur on Monday after a very short training camp in Dubai immediately on their return from Muscat.

UAE are looking forward to put their dismal performance at the recent Gulf Cup behind them with a victory.

“The match is very important to us after the defeat in the recent Gulf Cup,” said team manager Esmail Rashid.

“We need the win over Malaysia as it will help tremendously in our preparation for the other matches this year. “But I think that we have a lot of players whom we can count on for experience in this game against Malaysia.”

Meanwhile, reports from the Malaysian side said injuries to captain Shukor Adan and experienced left-backs Irwan Fadli Idrus and Rosdi Talib have forced Malaysia into a number of tactical changes for their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against the UAE.

Malaysia open their Group C campaign against the Gulf nation at KLFA Stadium in Cheras looking to put the disappointment of the recent AFF Suzuki Cup behind them, when they failed to make the semi-finals of the ASEAN showpiece for only the second time in their history.

But Malaysia coach B. Sathianathan has admitted the absentees have caused him a selection headache.

“It is not a fantastic position to be in for sure as we were so hopeful that Shukor could put the knee injury behind him and be ready in time for the match against the UAE,” he said.

“The left-back is another problematic area as we were counting on the availability of either Irwan or Rosdi but since both players are out, we will just have to make do with what’s available.”

However, Sathianthan also believes the situation is a golden opportunity for others to lay permanent claim to a starting berth. “The younger players will just have to come in and pull their weight. It is about time that they do that in the absence of the more experienced lads,” he added. “Worried? Not at all! I believe in the players that we have and this situation may present to be the perfect opportunity for the others to show just what they’ve got.”

Sathianthan also promised to adopt an attacking approach against the visitors, Khaleej Times Online reported.

“Considering the opposition and also our current situation, I don’t think that it is in our interest to play defensively,” he underlined.

“Our strength has always been down the flanks and if we can attack with pace, I believe that we can pull off a surprise.”