Syria took just two minutes to break the deadlock through Ziad Chabo, before Ismail Matar equalised early in the second half to restore parity for the visitors.

Fajer Ibrahim's hosts got off to the best possible start. Feras Ismail's cross from the right was inviting and Chabo made no mistake to beat goalkeeper Majed Naser.

They nearly doubled their advantage two minutes before the break. Aattef Jenniat found space and his effort had power but Naser was equal to it.

UAE began the second half strongly and their search for an equaliser was rewarded in the 54th minute. Subait Khater delivered a corner from the left and Matar headed past goalkeeper Mosab Balhous.

Syria spurned the best chance of the second half in the 79th minute. Bakri Tarrab's header found Chabo who managed to get a shot away but he was denied by the left-hand post.

They nearly paid for that miss five minutes from time. Mohammed Al Shehhi beat the offside trap and played in the advancing Amir Mubarak whose shot was bundled away by defender Ali Dyab.