Will Vietnam capitalize on UAE’s absence of top scorer?

Vietnam is seen as benefiting from UAE losing their No.1 striker. According to AFC regulations, a player who receives 2 yellow cards will be suspended the next match. Ali Mabkhout, thereby, will not join UAE in the match with Vietnam.

On the fifth matchday of World Cup 2022 qualifiers, Vietnam, who is rated underdog,  will host UAE on My Dinh stadium.

But Vietnam’s performance proves better following their unbeatable run in the second qualifier while UAE left Thailand with a bitter 2-1 thrashing.

The absence of the 29-year-old forward who scored 6 goals in three matches, will be a great loss for UAE. He is also considered the unreplaceable player in the squad.

Ali Mabkhout also scores the second most goals in the 2022 World Cup qualifier, following Omar Al Somah of Syria (7 goals). The UAE striker are having a good form.

Speaking of Vietnam NT, Ali Mabkhout said: "We know the Vietnamese team very well, I think they are a strong team. However, this will not stop us, we will be back to the strongest."

Vietnam will host the UAE in My Dinh at 8:00pm on November 14.