DAMASCUS, Nov 8: A trio of substitutes came to the rescue for the United Arab Emirates as they beat Syria 3-1 away on Friday to get their Asian Cup qualifying campaign back on track.

Syria took the lead through Firas Al-Khatib in the 50th minute, but Rami Yaslam equalised for UAE midway through the second half in Damascus.

Mohammmed Srour put the visitors ahead with a superb solo goal in the 80th minute.

A minute from time, Abdulrahim Juma sealed the victory for UAE, who had taken just one point from their first two Group G matches — both against Turkmenistan.

Despite the defeat, Syria still top the group with six points from three games. The top two teams qualify for the 2004 Asian Cup in China.

UAE and Syria meet again in Al Ain on Nov 14.—Reuters