Both teams finished the group stage with four points, but UAE advanced on superior tiebreakers, while Syria were eliminated despite a spirited performance and long spells of attacking pressure.

Syria, knowing only a win would guarantee progression, started aggressively. Within the opening four minutes they fired four shots toward the UAE goal, immediately setting the tempo. Captain Al Aswad was at the heart of Syria’s early dominance, twice getting into promising positions, although his efforts were either deflected or narrowly off target.

UAE struggled to settle early on and were nearly punished in the 22nd minute when goalkeeper Tawhid made a loose pass that gifted Syria a shooting opportunity. However, the chance went begging. Just a minute later, the momentum swung dramatically. A defensive error by Syria proved costly when Faqa’s weak back pass left goalkeeper Sarraf stranded, allowing Almemari to pounce and slot the ball into an empty net to give UAE a 1-0 lead.

The goal forced UAE into a more cautious approach. They dropped deeper, tightened their defensive shape, and focused on protecting the advantage, knowing that even a draw would be enough to progress. Syria continued to press, but found fewer spaces as the first half wore on. At the break, UAE held their narrow lead thanks largely to Syria’s missed opportunities.

Syria renewed their push after halftime and were rewarded in the 55th minute. Substitute Osman delivered a low cross into the box, where Al Omar met it first time with a precise right-footed finish into the far corner, leveling the score at 1-1.

Following the equalizer, the tactical balance shifted again. UAE committed numbers to defense, prioritizing discipline and structure over attacking ambition. Syria controlled possession and increased the tempo, but clear chances were hard to come by against the compact UAE back line.

As the match entered its final stages, UAE had opportunities to ease the pressure. Midfielder Solomon and Khalfan both squandered clear chances, while Solomon missed two further opportunities in quick succession, sending shots narrowly wide. Despite those misses, UAE held firm at the other end. Syria’s best late chance came in stoppage time, when Al Omar led a counterattack but failed to hit the target from a tight angle.

After four minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed the 1-1 draw. The result sent UAE into the quarterfinals, while Syria exited the tournament, left to rue defensive mistakes and missed chances in a match they largely controlled.

The UAE will play Group A winners Vietnam in the quarterfinals on Jan. 16.