After racing into a two-goal lead within the first 22 minutes of their campaign opener, Qatar were eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 draw after Alaa Aldin Dali struck deep into stoppage time to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Despite the last gasp disappointment, Sanchez believes the result will have little or no bearing on proceedings when they face a Saudi side who began their title bid with a win over Japan.

Alaa Aldin Dali struck deep into stoppage time to earn his side a last gasp share of the spoils after the Syrians had been 2-0 down within 22 minutes of the encounter at the Thammasat Stadium.

Dali’s strike, coupled with a first-half effort from Abdul Rahman Barakat, capped a superb comeback after an error from goalkeeper William Ghannam and Yosief Mohammad’s own goal had threatened to cost Syria dear in their Continental opener.

Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s penalty two minutes from time sealed the three points for the Saudis as Al Shehri earned some personal payback for the defeat he suffered at the hands of the Japanese in the final of the AFC U19 Championship in Bahrain in 2016.

But while the Saudi coach would be forgiven for rejoicing at avenging that defeat – which came via a penalty shootout – he chose instead to look to the future, and the prospect of qualifying his country for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1996.

Dali converted Mohammad Alhallak’s cross at the far post to earn a share of the spoils for Syria on a night when Yusuf Abdurisag’s early effort and an own goal from defender Yosief Mohammad had threatened to be their undoing.

Ghareeb converted from the spot two minutes from time after referee Chris Beath confirmed via the Video Assistant Referee that Makoto Okazaki had fouled Feras Al Brikan and the Al Ahli striker made no mistake from the spot.

The game had looked destined to end in a draw after Ayman Al Khulaif had seen his 48th minute opener for Saudi Arabia cancelled out by Ryotaro Meshino nine minutes later.

A brace apiece from Suphanat Mueanta and Jaroensak Wonggorn helped the host nation breeze to a comfortable Matchday One victory at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, success which saw them go two points clear at the top of the Group A standings.

Shahad’s side picked up a point in the meeting with the Olyroos on Wednesday despite enduring a difficult pre-tournament preparation period due to the suspension of the Iraqi league, which has left many of his players short of match fitness.

But, with a game under their belts, the coach is confident his team will take a step forward at Thammasat Stadium as they seek to move towards a place in the knockout rounds.