Saudi Arabia draw with Qatar

Both teams failed to create any notable chances in the Group B encounter and now trail UAE, who earlier defeated Yemen 3-1.

Qatar held the upper hand in the opening exchanges and had the first sight of goal after 13 minutes when former AFC Player of the Year Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan's powerful run ended in him shooting straight at Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Walid Abdullah.

Saudi Arabia got more of a foothold in the game as the first half wore on but they failed to beat a resolute Qatari defence and goalkeeper Mohamad Saqr as the sides went in at the break level.

The best chance of the second period fell to Khalfan after 77 minutes when he controlled Sebastian Soria's pass but his shot went over the bar.

Qatar coach Bruno Metsu and Saudi Arabia counterpart Nasser Al Johar made attacking substitutions in an effort to break the deadlock but it was to no avail as the game ended goalless.