Overview
- Ali Al-Hamadi put Iraq ahead in the 10th minute before Luanzinho leveled for the UAE eight minutes later.
- A stoppage-time finish by Caio Lucas was ruled out for a marginal offside, denying the hosts a late winner.
- Goalkeepers Khalid Eisa and Jalal Hassan produced key saves to preserve the stalemate across both halves.
- The second leg takes place Tuesday at Basra International Stadium with progression to the next stage on the line.
- Both nations seek a return to the finals after long absences, with Iraq last there in 1986 and the UAE in 1990 under an expanded 48-team format.