UAE 2-1 SYRIA
United Arab Emirates dominated possession from the start of the match and held on to win 2-1 against Syria.

Caio Canedo finished off a series of quick passes and deftly headed a cross into the corner past Syrian keeper Ibrahim Alma in the 24th minute for UAE's opener.

Ali Saleh then struck a first-timer six minutes later into the bottom of the right corner to double UAE's advantage.

Syria came close to scoring when Mohammed Osman hit the ball with strength from distance, forcing UAE keeper Ali Khasif to lunge and punch it just over the crossbar.

In the 60th minute, Syria broke through after a poor back pass by Canedo found its way to Ward Al Salama, who booted a strike past a helpless Khasif.

The goal inspired the Syrian side that took command of play – until the 79th minute when UAE’s Tahnoon Al Zaabi hammered the ball off the post.

In the dying seconds, Syria’s Mohammad Al Hallak belted a chance that easily could have tied the match, but Khasif was equal to the task and preserved UAE’s win.

TUNISIA 5-1 MAURITINIA
Tunisia defeated Mauritania 5-1 in Group B's earlier match at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.

Seifeddine Jaziri and Firas Belarabi scored a brace each with Youssef Msakni also getting on the scoresheet with Moulay Bessam's penalty a consolation for Mauritania.  

Tunisia play Syria next on Friday while Mauritinia will aim for their first win against UAE.

Click HERE for fixtures and standings.
Photos: FIFA via Getty Images