Both teams need to win, with Bahrain having conceded a late goal in their 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates while Thailand suffered a 4-1 defeat to India.

Bahrain looked set for the three points after taking the lead against UAE with Mohamed Al Romaihi breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute but were denied victory when Ahmed Khalil converted a spot-kick 10 minutes later.

With time running out, Khalil impressively held his nerve to convert from 12 yards for the 1996 AFC Asian Cup runners-up after Mohamed Al Rohaimi had given a resilient Bahrain the lead just 10 minutes earlier.

The draw, played out in front of a vocal crowd at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City Stadium, sees the regional rivals tied at the top of the Group A standings ahead of Sunday’s match between fellow group hopefuls India and Thailand.

After a cautious opening, it was to be the UAE who threatened first, striker Ali Mabkhout expertly finding Ismail Al Hammadi who raced into the area and fired narrowly wide of Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Shubbar’s far post with six minutes played.

The 34-year-old netted either side of the break to help guide his side to their first Finals win in 55 years and pole position in the group standings following Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

On a night of high drama, Bahrain had taken a late lead through Mohamed Al Rohaimi only for substitute Ahmed Khalil to salvage a point for the host nation with an 88th minute penalty at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Despite the UAE’s late equaliser, Al Hayam believes it was a case of a job well done for Miroslav Soukup’s charges who are looking to better Bahrain’s fourth-place finish at the AFC Asian Cup in 2004.

Mohamed Al Rohaimi had appeared to put Bahrain on course for a sensational victory when he scored in the 78th minute, only for Ahmed Khalil to rescue a late point for the host nation when he equalised from the spot with two minutes remaining at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The result sees the regional rivals tied at the top of the Group A standings ahead of Sunday’s match between fellow group hopefuls India and Thailand.

Sunil Chhetri scored twice for India at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi to leave Thailand rooted to the foot of Group A with games against Bahrain and host nation the United Arab Emirates still to come.

The Football Association of Thailand announced the Serbian’s dismissal via its official social media outlets, adding that former assistant coach Sirisak Yodyardthai would assume control of the team for the clash with Bahrain on Thursday.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who presented Chanin Viboonrungruang, Adul Samon and Ponchai Khamluang along with assistant coach Ekapol Chanthawong with UAE 2019 mementos during the match, said: “The AFC is very pleased to welcome the players from Wild Boars Academy to the AFC Asian Cup.

“Their journey here reinforces the power of football to inspire hope and their presence in the UAE is another fine example of how Asia’s most prestigious tournament is making dreams come true for millions of fans across the Continent.”