Draw keeps Thai hopes alive

Thailand managed to claw their way back into contention with a late equaliser, earning a 1-1 draw against Iraq in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Group D clash in Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening.

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Thailand's Chinngoen Phutonyong, left, celebrates with Sphon Noiwong.

The result keeps the group delicately balanced, with all four teams still in the hunt for a place in the quarterfinals.

After two rounds of matches, China lead the group with four points, Australia sit just behind on three, Iraq remain third with two draws, and Thailand trail with a single point.

The next fixtures will be decisive with Thailand facing China in a must-win encounter, while Iraq take on Australia in what could be a qualification decider.

The game began at a frenetic pace. Iraq nearly struck within the opening minutes when Layth Mahmood delivered a precise cross into the box, only for Aymen Luay to misfire his volley.