Bahrain 1-1 Lebanon
Lebanon established themselves as the dominant force in the first half with Bahrain goalkeeper Zahra Ali being kept busy.

Marie Joe Wakim found herself in space in the ninth minute but Bahrain’s Manar Yaqoob was quick to put the pressure on and snuff out the chance, then had Zahra coming off her line two minutes later to deny her.

The ever-dangerous Wakim would not be denied in the 13th minute as she dribbled past one before evading the on-rushing Zahra to plant an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Bahrain produced a much-improved performance in the second half and their persistence was rewarded in the 27th minute when Alanood Alkhalifa’s shot escaped the clutches of Lebanon custodian Elite Tannous.

Lebanon could have snatched all three points in the final seconds of the game when Rayane Rachid wriggled away from three markers, only to see Zahra blocking her effort as both sides settled for a stalemate.

Palestine were the first to threaten, forcing Faeza Mahmood into successive saves from Sara Alshakhshir and Nour Youssef.

Mahmood was called into action again in the 14th minute when Narin Abuasfar was left unmarked in the centre with the Iraq custodian doing well to push away the fierce shot.

Iraq grew into the game as the first half progressed but despite increased possession, only had an Elaf Shareef shot that was well covered by Miraf Marouf to look back on.

The breakthrough came five minutes into the second half for Palestine with a cleverly worked free-kick saw Laila Alshaik feeding Youssef to strike into the far corner.

Iraq were behind for mere seconds, thanks to an own goal from Sireen Ghattas whose attempted clearance flew past Marouf.

The best chance for a winner came in the 33rd minute when Iraq’s Tiba Alquraishi unleashed a venomous shot from distance that was tipped onto the bar by Marouf.

Iraq meet Bahrain next on Monday while Palestine will face Thailand.