The Southeast Asian side had kicked off their qualification campaign last November with heavy defeats to Japan and DPR Korea, but negotiated Syria’s early forays with relative ease in their third outing in the qualifiers.

Kyaw Zin Phyo came to the home side’s rescue in the 22nd minute when Ammar Ramadan made a marauding run before feeding Ibrahim Hesar whose powerful strike from inside the box was saved low to his right by the Myanmar goalkeeper. 

It was Hector Cuper’s team that continued to dominate the proceedings in the first half, but Aung Thu got behind the Syrian backline in a rare chance for Myanmar in the 26th minute, but saw his effort sail harmlessly wide from a tight angle 

Syria, however, were stunned in the 35th minute when Michael Feichtenbeiner’s side found the breakthrough against them – Khun Kyaw Zin Hein’s corner was flicked on at the near post by Maung Maung Lwin towards Soe Moe Kyaw who poked the ball past Ahmad Madania in the Syrian goal. 

The Qasioun Eagles went in search for an equaliser and Hesar had another shot from the box deflected out for a corner in first half injury time as Myanmar held on to their slender lead at the interval. 

Syria continued to probe in their bid to restore parity, but had to wait until the 71st minute to find their way back when substitute Al Dali, who replaced Mardik Mardikian at the hour mark, pounced on a poor clearance from Kyaw Min Oo and powered his shot past Kyaw Zin Phyo. 

Al Dali then saw his next effort sail high and wide in the 83rd minute before Ramadan’s shot flew inches wide of the goal in second half injury time as Syria settled for a draw which took their tally to four points from three matches in the group. 

Myanmar will now travel to Saudi Arabia to meet Syria again at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam on Tuesday.