Iraq were the better of the two sides in the first half as Oman had to absorb the pressure.

A free-kick delivery to the far post saw Muslim Mousa presented with a free header but could not keep his effort on target before Amoori Faisal fired a powerful low shot in the 38th minute which Oman custodian Ebrahim Alkindi pushed away.

Iraq finally got a richly-deserved opening goal in the 62nd minute when Ali Jasim won possession high up the pitch, fed Faisal on the left who supplied the cross for Mustafa Qabeel to sweep home at the near post.

Oman were given a lifeline just three minutes later when Iraqi midfielder Ali Mokhalad was sent off for picking his second yellow card but despite playing with numerical advantage, they were unable to find their way back into the game.

Iraq will next face Cambodia on Tuesday while Oman will play Pakistan.

Pakistan 0-1 Cambodia
Pakistan had the first sight at goal in the 19th minute when Adeel Younas found space on the right but rushed his shot and could only find the side netting.

Cambodia found the opening goal in the 31st minute when Mon Rado surged down the left flank and cut into the box before seeing his shot blocked but Devit Yem was in the right place to hook home from close range.

Pakistan went in search of the equaliser in the second half and came close through Muhammad Adeel’s header in the 49th minute before Furqan Umar’s effort was cleared off the goal line as Cambodia held on for the win.