The Muharraq defender was just 12-years-old when Al Ahmar reached the last four at China 2004 (pictured below) - their best ever finish at the Continental Finals - but an impressive opening night draw with host nation United Arab Emirates has given them cause for optimism in this year's edition.

Miroslav Soukup's side can take a significant step towards the Round of 16 with three points against a Thailand side still reeling from a 4-1 defeat to India, and Al Hayam called on his teammates to seize their opportunity.

"I think it’s a good time to qualify for the next round," he said.

Both teams need to win, with Bahrain having conceded a late goal in their 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates while Thailand suffered a 4-1 defeat to India.

Bahrain looked set for the three points after taking the lead against UAE with Mohamed Al Romaihi breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute but were denied victory when Ahmed Khalil converted a spot-kick 10 minutes later.

The win took Uzbekistan to second in the standings behind Japan, who defeated Turkmenistan 3-2 in their opening tie earlier on Wednesday.

Oman started aggressively, as they tested the Uzbekistan defence with several surging runs and in the 14th minute, came close to scoring through Ahmed Al Mahaijri’s header which goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov brilliantly saved.

Oman’s confidence grew as they pegged the White Wolves in their own half and in the 25th minute, Saad Al Mukhaini’s delivery from the right flank sailed invitingly for Raed Saleh but the forward failed to connect.

The Al Shabab livewire got Juan Antonio Pizzi's side up and running with a strike that was worthy of the milestone, tricking his way past Ri Il-jin before curling in a magnificent effort which DPR Korea goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk could only stand and watch as it crashed into the back of the net.

The 28th-minute goal was also Bahbri's first at senior international level, and set the tone for a performance which delivered Saudi Arabia's first winning start to the AFC Asian Cup since they last won the title, also in the UAE, in 1996.

With Vietnam to the fore, Iraq trailed 2-1 at half-time before substitute Humam Tareq fired home a 60th minute equaliser and Adnan’s last gasp free-kick sealed all three points for Srečko Katanec’s charges, who went second in Group D following their success.

The team, admitted Esmaeel, left the fans disappointed after the 1-1 draw with Bahrain in their opening match, and are determined to make up for that against India, who impressed with a 4-1 win over Thailand.

"The fans are the fuel that push us players to get better and better and it is our responsibility to make sure we satisfy them," said the Al-Wasl midfielder.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Yuya Osaka’s brace and a goal from Ritsu Doan proved the difference in a game which had seen four-time champions Japan trailing at half-time before a spirited revival ensured all three points for Hajime Moriyasu’s charges.

The result takes Japan to the top of Group F where they are level on points with Uzbekistan who beat Oman 2-1 in the group's later game.