Paulo Bento off to perfect start with UAE but patience is required as 2023 Asian Cup looms

Paulo Bento’s start with the UAE could barely have gone any better.

Facing his first competitive assignment since his July appointment, the Portuguese built upon a trio of friendly victories with two wins to open qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

The UAE cast aside Nepal, as admittedly they were expected to do, in Dubai. Then they came through against Bahrain in Riffa, in what should represent the toughest test of their second-round campaign.

In triumphing 4-0 and 2-0, the national team sit top of Group H with maximum points and no goals conceded. It extended Bento’s winning streak with his new side to five.

For sure, as the second-lowest ranked side of Round 2, and at 173rd in the Fifa standings more than 100 spots below their hosts, Nepal provided a welcome introduction to competitive life for the UAE manager.

After slowly working their way into the contest at Al Maktoum Stadium, by half-time the UAE were four goals to the good. Points secure, and with Bahrain to come five days later, Bento rested some of his starters and offered opportunities to others.

But it was in Bahrain where it felt like Bento began to truly stamp his authority on the team. Much to the majority's surprise, Bento dropped captain Ali Mabkhout, the UAE’s all-time top scorer, to the bench. Against Nepal, Mabkhout had added another two goals to his international tally.