Unbeaten as hosts of the West Asian tournament, Iraq had the opportunity to seal their place in the final with a game in hand, but couldn’t find a way past winless Syria in a goalless stalemate at Karbala Sports City.

While Iraq remain favourites to win the WAFF title on home soil, Katanec believes preparing for the Asian Qualifiers against Islamic Republic of Iran, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Cambodia is a far more pressing concern.

Al Hadi’s side earned their first win in over year when they beat Lebanon 2-1 on Thursday, taking them to four points in three matches, and within striking distance of group leaders Iraq.

Another win in the final Group A match between the two sides could be enough to give Yemen a rare shot at international silverware, but with Iraq unbeaten in the tournament, and drawing passionate 30,000-plus crowds to every match so far in Karbala, Al Hadi knows his side must be prepared to confront opponents both on and off the pitch.

Bahrain’s opponents in Wednesday’s final will be decided on Sunday, with Iraq, Palestine and Yemen all in contention to advance from Group A.

Earlier, also at Franso Hariri Stadium, already-eliminated Jordan cruised to a 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia to finish the competition as group runners-up.

Iraq’s scoreless draw prevented them from wrapping up the group with a game in hand, setting what looms as a group-defining clash on Sunday against Yemen, who defeated Lebanon 2-1 to claim their first win in over a year.

Palestine, who did not play on Thursday, also remain in with a chance of reaching the final, while Syria and Lebanon are now eliminated.

Having gone closer than ever to reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia, Syria have cause to be optimistic about reaching Qatar, despite a largely disappointing run of results in 2019.

While star Saudi-based attacking duo Omar Al Soma and Omar Khribin were instrumental in the previous campaign, Ibrahim is using the 2019 WAFF Championship to give a number of fringe and home-based players the chance to press their case for selection.

Romeo Jozak’s side made what most would consider a dream start to life in Erbil, recovering from the concession of an early Rabee Sufyani goal to beat a youthful Saudi side, with Faisal Ajab emerging as the matchwinner.

The win was Kuwait’s first against a national team in 2019, and first outside of their homeland since 2015 after they spent nearly two years out of the international game.

A 1-0 opening match win against Yemen in Group A was followed up by a late 2-1 defeat to hosts Iraq on Friday in a mixed start to the regional championship, giving the Palestinians little room for error if they are to advance to the final on August 14.

But even if Palestine’s WAFF Championship tilt ends at the group stage, Ould Ali sees the competition as important preparation for the crucial Asian Qualifiers to come.