China drew with Syria 0-0 at their penultimate AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Group D at the Yellow Dragon Sports Center here on Wednesday.

Syria kept topping Group D with 11 points after the draw, while China ranked the second with 10 points, and almost booked a ticket to the finals as third-placed Vietnam could only surpass China in the last round game in theory.

China took some advantage in the first half with more ball possession and midfielder Shao Jiayi squandered three great chances. The Cottbus player fired a cunning header at the far post following Rong Hao's accurate left wing cross on 32 minutes, but his effort was cleared by a diving defender from the goalline.

Shao missed a one-on-one shot eight minutes later when his low shot hit the post. Shao kept trying with a powerful drive in the box before the break, but was denied by an in-form keeper Mosab Balhous.

Syria threatened the hosts with several mid-range shots.

The second period was more dull as both teams lacked fine organization and shots. The hosts had a clear chance in the 84th minute, but substitute striker Qu Bo hit the side net inside the box.

China Daily