Behram Abduweli scored a late equalizer in his international debut as China drew with Thailand 1-1 at home in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Fei Nanduo (front) of China shoots a penalty during the Group C match of 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers between China and Thailand in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on June 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

Before the match, China rank second in Group C with seven points, three points ahead of Thailand. Branko Ivankovic's team would ensure themselves of a place in the final stage of Asian qualifiers with a win.

However, the away team broke the deadlock first in the 20th minute, when Supachai Chaided cut into penalty area from left flank, delivering a cross for unmarked Supachok Sarachat to score a free header.

China nearly found a quick equalizer two minutes later, but A Lan's low strike from distance hit the post, before a rebound shot from Fei Nanduo denied by Thailand goalkeeper.

In the 28th minute, Ivankovic made an early substitution, replacing Gao Tianyi with 21-year-old Behram.

Thailand was close to extend the lead in the first half as they had ten shots and hit the woodwork twice.

Six minutes into the second half, China was awarded a penalty thanks to a handball foul from Kritsada Kaman, but Fei Nanduo's shot went high off the crossbar.

The home team finally equalized in the 79th minute as Behram volleyed home a headed pass from Zhu Chenjie, after a free kick delivered by Xie Pengfei.

China had several opportunities in the final minutes by playing long ball, but they couldn't find the winning goal.

"It was a great pity that we couldn't win the match. My players were under great pressure, and they tried their best. As a professional coach, I need to take responsibility for everything on the pitch," Ivankovic said after the match.

"Young players including Behram, Xie Wenneng, Wang Zhenao and Xu Haoyang, who played their first international match, did a great job. That missed penalty kick affected our tempo a lot, and we missed several chances in the last minutes. We need to be more patient to organize our offense," he added.

Thailand head coach Masatada Ishii also felt disappointed for not winning the match. "We had many chances but didn't fulfill our target."

In the other group C match on Thursday, South Korea smashed Singapore 7-0 to secure a ticket in the final stage of Asian qualifiers as group leaders.

In the last round of second stage of Asian qualifiers, China is scheduled to play against South Korea away next Tuesday, while Thailand will meet Singapore at home.

China needs to get at least one point in South Korea to qualify for the final stage of qualifying tournament.

"For us the qualifying tournament isn't over yet. We will go all out in the next match and try to qualify for the next round," Ivankovic said.

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