Soon, Syria unleashed a flurry of attack with Alzino taking the first shot at the goal only to be stopped by a diving goalkeeper Larry Mehana.

The combination of Alzino, Abdul Fatah Aalaga and Wael Ayan broke through the Lebanese defence at regular intervals. The only goal came as an unmarked Alzino latched onto Alaga's header and raced into to boot home.

In the second half, Lebanon showed more intent in getting the equaliser and tempers ran high after their medio Hassan Maatouk was brought down in the box by Syrian goalie Mosab Balhous.

Indian referee Arumugham Rowan turned down Lebanon's appeal for a penalty and was manhandled by the players. Linesmen Kamil Mohammed and Fernandes Francisco rushed to save their compatriot and to the utter shock Rowan didn't penalize the player for pushing him.

In the last 10 minutes, Syria tried to double the lead but Lebanon defended well.