Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia fought again from a objective right down to beat Oman 2-1 within the dying seconds of the Asian Cup on Tuesday, however solely after some VAR confusion.
Additionally in Group F, Thailand defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-0, with Supachai Chaided scoring each objectives.
The bold Saudis defeated eventual champions Argentina within the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and returned to Qatar as one of many favorites for the regional match.
They’re looking for a report fourth continental crown, due to a big-money recruitment drive that has lured world stars reminiscent of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo to the dominion's home league.
Saudi Arabia may also host the 2034 World Cup.
Their opening match on the Asian Cup began poorly and resulted in farcical scenes in entrance of a crowd of 41,987 individuals.
Australian referee Shaun Evans awarded a penalty for a visit on Oman's striker Muhsen Al-Ghassani after checking the VAR display.
Salaah Al-Yahyaei transformed to provide lower-placed Oman a shock lead after 14 minutes.
Oman sat again for the rest of the primary half, however Saudi Arabia failed to use severe stress.
After the break, the Saudis continued to huff and puff however had solely registered two photographs on the right track on the hour mark.
Because the clock ticked and the cheers of the Saudi followers started to sound, the boys in inexperienced wanted a second of magic.
And that's what they received, substitute Abdulrahman Ghareeb – simply three minutes on the pitch as he weaved his method by way of the Omani backline earlier than slamming residence the equalizer with 12 minutes to go.
With parity restored, Oman – who had misplaced goalscorer Yahyaei to damage – had been content material to play in the course of the break.
There have been probabilities for an additional Saudi objective earlier than defender Ali Al-Bulayhi headed in from a nook deep into stoppage time.
The objective was disallowed by the assistant referee for offside and checked by VAR.
The Saudi participant appeared to have been onside in replays, however Evans indicated he was sticking with the unique offside choice.
However moments later he modified his thoughts and awarded the objective, regardless that play had restarted.
It led to jubilant scenes from most on the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium and there have been extra Saudi celebrations moments later when Evans blew the ultimate whistle.
Earlier, Buriram United's Supachai scored from shut vary within the twenty sixth minute to provide Thailand the lead over Kyrgyzstan.
He received his second in related model simply after the break when the ball fell his method once more with the objective gaping.
Subsequent up for Thailand is Oman on Sunday, the identical day Saudi Arabia takes on Kyrgyzstan.
Reigning champions Qatar are again in motion on Wednesday and can look to seal their place within the final 16 with a win over Tajikistan.
Within the different match in Group A, China performs in opposition to Lebanon.
