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.

It was the team enjoying a rest day, Iraq, who benefitted most from the two results, retaining their status as Group A leaders while holding a game in hand on both Palestine and Lebanon.

Both of Monday’s goals came in the earlier match between Syria and Yemen, where evergreen forward Firas Al Khatib scored a second-half equaliser to cancel out Yemen’s opener.

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.

SAUDI ARABIA 1-2 KUWAIT

Kuwait, champions in 2010, recovered from a slow start to take a successful first step in this year’s edition, coming from behind to beat Saudi Arabia 2-1 in an entertaining clash at Frasno Hariri Stadium.

The Kuwaitis emerged victorious in a match which produced three goals, two penalties and a late red card to secure their first international win of 2019, and continue their perfect record in WAFF Championship opening matches

PALESTINE 1-2 IRAQ

Iraq continued their perfect start to their home championship, recovering from the concession of an early Islam Batran spot-kick to eventually prevail 2-1 at Karbala Sports City.

IRAQ 1-0 LEBANON

A second-half goal from Hussein Ali helped hosts Iraq make a winning start, with Srecko Katanec’s side overcoming Lebanon 1-0 at Karbala International Stadium.

Ali’s decisive 58th minute strike followed a commanding first-half performance from Iraq, who entertained a large and enthusiastic crowd throughout the opening period but failed to find an opening goal.