UAE nick a draw

Striker Ali Ahmed Mabkhout struck late in stoppage time as the UAE nicked a 1-1 draw against a spirited Thailand in World Cup qualifying at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday.

Mongkol Tossakai's opportunistic goal on 69 minutes had pushed the UAE to the brink of exit in the Asia Zone Qualifying but Ali Ahmed Mabkhout tucked in substitute Ismail Matar's assist, in the third minute of four minutes added on, to leave The Whites precariously placed in Group B.

It was the UAE's first stalemate in Round 3 and the draw leaves them pinned in fourth place on 10 points. Thailand, who were denied a famous win, stay rooted at the bottom of the table with 2 points.

It wasnt' the most ideal of starts for new coach Edgardo Bauza, with the match representing his first competitive game in charge of The Whites.

Table toppers Japan were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq at the Shahid Dastgerdi Stadium in Tehran, Iran. Japan still lead with 17 points, followed by Saudi Arabia in 16 points and Australia third with 16 points.

"We were very close to make history. The guys did fantastic work. We deserved to win but unfortunately we conceded the goal in injury time. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic effort," Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac said after the game.

The game was also the Serb's first game in charge of The War Elephants.

Source: Khaleej Times