Lebanon took a firm grip on the match right at the start with a kick-off routine that freed Mohammad Al Saleh into space to strike home the opener.

A spectacular Mohammad Haidar bicycle kick in the sixth minute added to Lebanon’s advantage.

Kuwait pulled one back seconds later after they were awarded a spot-kick which was tucked away by Mohammed Hajeyah.

Lebanon restored their two-goal lead in the seventh minute, Ahmad El Khatib’s free-kick proving too strong for Kuwait goalkeeper Omar Alfailakawi to handle.

The second period began in favour of Kuwait as they pulled level in the 14th minute with two quickfire goals.

First, Abdulaziz Alsalem’s overhead kick from the halfway line caught Lebanon napping before Hajeyah stuck away his second spot-kick to level proceedings.

Jassim Alsabea then capped a stunning second period for Kuwait, sneaking in at the back post to turn the ball home from close range to give his side the lead for the first time in the match.

Lebanon, however, did not let their heads drop and fought back to make it 4-4 in the 32nd minute through El Khatib’s header.

The goal saw Lebanon taking firm control of the proceedings and the thrilling match was settled in the third period when Moustafa El Zein drilled a low shot right into the bottom corner to secure the points for his side.

Next up for Lebanon are Thailand on Saturday with Kuwait to face India.