AFC Asian Cup: 10-man Palestine hold Syria for first goalless draw of tournament on day of upsets in UAE
- Syria fail to find a way past Palestine defence despite Mohamed Saleh sending off
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
The Palestinians held out despite playing for more than 20 minutes with ten men, after losing Mohamed Saleh in the 69th minute.
The central defender, who plays for Floriana in the Maltese Premier League was sent off for a second bookable offence, having been yellow-carded just before the end of the first half.
Syria had enjoyed the better of the play even before Saleh was dismissed but they could not find a way through the Palestine rearguard.
The result means both teams trail Jordan who had earlier shocked holders Australia with a 1-0 upset win in group B’s opening game.
It was a day of upsets, with India humbling Thailand 4-1 in the night’s other game.
The action continues apace on Monday when new boys Yemen, the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan play their first ever Asian Cup games.
