Lebanon coach Dory Zakhour during the post-match press conference after they held Korea Republic to a 5-5 draw.

BANGKOK – Dory Zakhour was relieved after his Lebanon side scored three times late on to rescue a 5-5 draw with Korea Republic in the AFC Futsal Championship at Hua Mark Stadium.

Mahmoud Itani, Khaled Takaji and Hayssam Atwi netted inside the final 90 seconds as a weary Lebanon, who travelled to the tournament despite a conflict raging in their homeland, came back from 5-2 down to claim a draw.

“Our team has to play at our best as we have a very bad situation in our country and I thank God for finishing at 5-5,” said Zakhour.

Lebanon had dominated for much of the opening period but were 2-1 down at half-time after Serge Said netted a penalty late in the first half.

Korea extended their advantage but Atwi's strike 30 seconds from the end capped a fine comeback.
Zakhour believes the two-day journey from Beirut had contributed to the sluggish start but he is sure the point was well-deserved.

“Our players were very, very tired after a two-day journey,” he added.

“But we had many chances to score and we deserved the draw.”

Korea had looked certain to open their campaign with a win after goals from Jung Hae-hyuck, Sin Han-kook, Kang Hyun-uk, an own goal and Kim In-woo.

And the late comeback from Lebanon left Korea coach Jeong Jin-hyuk disappointed.

“Yes, it feels like a defeat,” said Jeong.

“We missed a very, very good chance to claim a victory in this match, but all the players did their best.”
Korea will seek to overcome the disappointment against Uzbekistan on Monday.

The Uzbeks romped to a 10-0 defeat of Malaysia in the opening Group C fixture on Sunday.

“It is clear we must play better to beat Uzbekistan, but we are capable of an improved performance,” added Jeong.

Zakhour is also aware his Lebanon side, who meet Malaysia on day two, must improve in order to live up to their pre-tournament billing as potential semi-finalists.

But he is confident of two wins out of two in the remaining games.

“We have to play better,” he added. “We must top the group.”