Football: UAE and Thailand reach Asian Cup round of 16 after 1-1 draw

AFC Asian Cup hosts the UAE and Thailand both advanced to the round of 16 following a 1-1 draw in their Group A meeting in Al Ain. Ali Ahmed Mabkhout headed Alberto Zaccheroni's side into the lead in the seventh minute after a chip from his UAE team-mate Ismail Al Hamadi came back off the crossbar. However, Thitiphan Puangjan pulled Thailand level four minutes before half-time, stabbing in from close range. Thailand held on to draw 1-1 and sealed second place in Group A ahead of Bahrain thanks to their superior head-to-head record. The 'War Elephants' stampeded into the tournament's knockout stage for the first time since 1972, when they went on to reach the semi-finals. UAE advanced as group winners after a win and two draws in their three matches.