ABU DHABI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Hosts United Arab Emirates climbed to the top of Group A with a hard-fought 2-0 win over India in AFC Asian Cup 2019 here on Thursday.

Khaflan Mubarak broke the deadlock for the UAE four minutes before the half break, skipping away from defenders and leathering the ball into the roof of the net.

India, who shocked Thailand 4-1 in the first round, were superb in the first half against the UAE and almost tied the score in the 43rd minute, but caption Sunil Chhetri's shot went narrowly wide.

Inida squaundered another chance 10 minutes after the break when Udanta Singh broke into the box after a one-two with Chhetri but his right-footed shot hit the bar.

As the minutes ticked down, the hosts finally sealed the victory with Ali Ahmed Mabkhout's cool finish. Then

Indian defender Sandesh Jhingan's shot hit the crossbar in stoppage time.

After two rounds in Group A, the UAE collected four points, followed by India and Thailand, both three points, and Bahrain one point. Thailand stunned Bahrain 1-0 in Dubai earlier on Thursday.