The 30-year-old defender’s first-half header earned Vital Borkelmans’ side all three points against an Australia team that dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes but was unable to find a way past goalkeeper Amer Shafi.

Graham Arnold’s side spent much of the game camped in the Jordanian half, only for the West Asian nation to take a hard-earned win that will set them up perfectly for their next meeting with neighbours Syria on January 11.

The richly-experienced boss, who guided his native Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in 2006, acknowledged his side sits outside the group of pre-tournament favourites, but believes they are fully capable of a campaign to remember.

"It's very simple. Our target is to do our best and achieve a good result," said the 70-year-old, who also claimed the AFC Champions League with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2013.

On a night of high drama, Bahrain had taken a late lead through Mohamed Al Rohaimi only for substitute Ahmed Khalil to salvage a point for the host nation with an 88th minute penalty at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Despite the UAE’s late equaliser, Al Hayam believes it was a case of a job well done for Miroslav Soukup’s charges who are looking to better Bahrain’s fourth-place finish at the AFC Asian Cup in 2004.

Khalil struck with just two minutes remaining in regulation time to secure a 1-1 tie with Miroslav Soukup’s side in their Group A meeting and ease some of the pressure on Alberto Zaccheroni and his team.

Mohamed Al Rohaimi had appeared to put Bahrain on course for a sensational victory when he scored in the 78th minute, only for Ahmed Khalil to rescue a late point for the host nation when he equalised from the spot with two minutes remaining at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The result sees the regional rivals tied at the top of the Group A standings ahead of Sunday’s match between fellow group hopefuls India and Thailand.

Joint slogan contest winners – Jalal Nakhaie and Scott Sommerville - were rewarded with a pair of an all-expenses paid trip to witness Saturday’s grand opening ceremony, which saw hosts UAE held to a 1-1 draw against Bahrain in a tightly contested Group A opener.

“Just making my way from the airport to the hotel, to see Bringing Asia Together everywhere is an indescribable feeling, I am completely overjoyed,” said Nakhaie who was born in the Islamic Republic of Iran but now resides in Australia.

The squad, led by head coach Felix Sanchez, arrived on Saturday ahead of their opening Group E match against Lebanon on Wednesday.

Qatar, despite losing 2-1 to Islamic Republic of Iran in their final friendly, have enjoyed fine form in the build-up to the Continental showpiece and will be a team to watch.