Abu Dhabi: The UAE beat Estonia 2-1 on Wednesday in the international friendly match held at Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium.
The UAE are preparing for the 21st Gulf Cup in Bahrain, which will be held starting on January 5.
Defender Hamdan Al Kamali put the home team in the lead in the 30th minute, when referee Sami Al Nimiri awarded the UAE a penalty kick following a foul inside the box from visiting skipper Alo Barengrub against debutant Esmail Ahmad, the home sweeper.
Jarmo Ahjupera leveled the score in the last minute of the first half, capitalising on a defensive blunder on the right flank that gave him space to go into the box unmarked.
Mahdi Ali, the UAE head coach, brought in Omar Abdul Rahman, Ahmad Khalil and Rashid Eissa after the break to strengthen his attack.
The home team dominated the match, organising many fast attacks that resulted in the second goal by Ali Mabkhoot who was sent clear behind the defender by Khalil in the 69th minute.
The visitors increased their pressing attacks in the last few minutes but Ali Khaseef, the home custodian, kept them at bay, displaying his outstanding form specially when blocking a fierce first-time volley from Dmirti Kranglov in the 63rd minute.
It was the last friendly match for the UAE at home before the Gulf Cup as they will start their training camp in Qatar from December 18.
