The Syrians fought back from going two goals down to earn a point against Felix Sanchez’s side and Hakeem is hoping his players can perform a quick turnaround to make amends against Hajime Moriyasu’s team.

Syria fought back for a 2-2 draw after Qatar, who finished third in the 2018 edition, had taken a 2-0 lead after just 21 minutes at the Thammasat Stadium. 

Barakat reduced the deficit in the 31st minute and Hakeem’s tweaking and pep talk at half time saw Alaa Aldin Dali equalising for Syria in added time.

Alaa Aldin Dali struck deep into stoppage time to earn his side a last gasp share of the spoils after the Syrians had been 2-0 down within 22 minutes of the encounter at the Thammasat Stadium.

Dali’s strike, coupled with a first-half effort from Abdul Rahman Barakat, capped a superb comeback after an error from goalkeeper William Ghannam and Yosief Mohammad’s own goal had threatened to cost Syria dear in their Continental opener.

Dali converted Mohammad Alhallak’s cross at the far post to earn a share of the spoils for Syria on a night when Yusuf Abdurisag’s early effort and an own goal from defender Yosief Mohammad had threatened to be their undoing.

After racing into a two-goal lead within the first 22 minutes of their campaign opener, Qatar were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Alaa Aldin Dali struck deep into stoppage time to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Despite the last gasp disappointment, Sanchez believes the result will have little or no bearing on proceedings when they face a Saudi side who began their title bid with a win over Japan.

Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s penalty two minutes from time sealed the three points for the Saudis as Al Shehri earned some personal payback for the defeat he suffered at the hands of the Japanese in the final of the AFC U19 Championship in Bahrain in 2016.

But while the Saudi coach would be forgiven for rejoicing at avenging that defeat – which came via a penalty shootout – he chose instead to look to the future, and the prospect of qualifying his country for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1996.

Ghareeb converted from the spot two minutes from time after referee Chris Beath confirmed via the Video Assistant Referee that Makoto Okazaki had fouled Feras Al Brikan and the Al Ahli striker made no mistake from the spot.

The game had looked destined to end in a draw after Ayman Al Khulaif had seen his 48th minute opener for Saudi Arabia cancelled out by Ryotaro Meshino nine minutes later.