Nattaporn Phanrit, who scored the winner in Thailand’s 3-2 defeat of Uzbekistan in the tournament opener on Saturday, headed home Sarayoot Chaikamdee’s cross from the right to break the deadlock in the 44th minute.

Mubarak Almas drew Iraq level five minutes into the second half but with only seven minutes left to play Ahmad Abid spectacularly headed into his own net while attempting to cut out a powerful cross from Narongchai Vachiraban.

DPR Korea, champions in 2002, kept alive their hopes of a fourth King’s Cup title after a stoppage-time strike from AFC Youth Player of the Year Kim Kum-il earned his side a 2-2 with Uzbekistan.

Rimyongsu defender An Chol-hyok put the Koreans ahead in the 41st minute only for Pavel Solomin to draw Uzbekistan level eight minutes into the second period.

Timur Yafarov gave the Uzbeks the a 65th minute lead and just as it was looking like the Kuruvchi midfielder’s goal was enough for victory Kim levelled the match right at the death.