After a goalless first half at the Al-Ahli stadium in United Arab Emirates, Iraq opened the scoring through Hawar Mulla Mohammed's penalty four minutes after the break.

But they were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Nashat Akram was sent off and China took full advantage, levelling through Zheng Zhi with 14 minutes remaining.

Iraq were dealt a big blow early on, with skipper Younis Mahmoud forced to leave the pitch after only six minutes with a torn thigh muscle.

The loss of the influential striker perhaps knocked the confidence of Iraq somewhat, as China looked the better team in the first half.

Indeed, they nearly opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Qu Bo fired a powerful drive towards goal only for Iraq goalkeeper Noor Sabri to save with his leg.

China continued their pressure and had another attempt on goal, with Zhou Haibin's header just wide of the right post in the 39th minute.

Iraq's best chance of the first half was in the first minute of stoppage time. Mohammed sent a long cross from the back to Feng Xiaoting.

He tried to head the ball back to goalkeeper Zong Lei but Karrar Jassim beat Lei to the ball and headed into the back of the net. However, Iranian referee Mohsin Torky ruled out the goal for Jassim's challenge on the goalkeeper.

Iraq came out fighting after the break and were awarded a penalty four minutes into the second period.

Mostafa Karim was fouled by Liu Jian and Mohammed made no mistake from the spot.

Iraq looked to increase their advantage and Jassim nearly scored a second goal when his powerful shot went wide on the hour mark, while Mostafa Karim set up Mahdi Karim whose weak shot was easy for Lei three minutes later.

China started to get back into the game and they should have levelled the scores in the 66th minute. They were awarded an indirect free kick inside the area but Du Zhenyu's effort was saved by Iraq defender Jassim Ghulam off the goal line.

Iraq were dealt another blow in the 70th minute, reduced to 10 men when midfielder Nashat was shown a second yellow card.

China took quick advantage of their numerical superiority and levelled the scores six minutes later, Xiaoting's corner headed home by Zheng Zhi.

A draw favours Australia who now go top of the group after their 3-0 win over Qatar.