Oman conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to share the spoils with Syria in the opening fixture of the three-team tournament in Hanoi while Uzbekistan came from a goal down to defeat the Syrians 2-1, ending their Olympic dreams and putting themselves in pole position for the playoff berth where they will meet African representatives Senegal on April 23 in Coventry.

"I think they are the favourites," former Cameroon national team coach Le Guen said at Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"They are bigger than us and maybe stronger than us physically but I am confident we can create a surprise. The first game we played well but were unlucky and I do believe victory for us is possible."

In Oman's first-game they took the lead shortly before half-time through a penalty from skipper Hussain Al Hadhri and with Syria playing for the entire second period following Omar Al Suma's dismissal during the interval Le Guen's side created numerous chances to kill the game off.

However, Oman didn't take those opportunities and were made to pay for their profligacy when substitute Ahmad Al Douni equalised five minutes into stoppage-time.

In the penultimate match Uzbekistan conceded a 14th minute Yasser Shahen goal which originated from keeper Ibrahim Alma's long clearance up-field, before they capitalised on a tiring Syrian side that was showing the effects of having just 48 hours recovery between matches thanks to late goals from Kenja Turaev (73rd) and Oleg Zoteev (87th).

It wasn't the best Uzbekistan performance of the qualifiers but Le Guen was not being lulled into a false sense of confidence.

"Well, they won!" quipped the Frenchman when asked his comments on a surprisingly low-key display from the Uzbeks.

"I am totally respectful of Uzbekistan. They are a good team, a strong team, but if we can play like we did against Syria then I believe we are in with a chance.

"Of course we need that bit of luck but we can perform well. And if we can keep the same strength of spirit that we showed against Syria then I believe anything is possible even if they are the favourites and we are the outsiders.

"We deserve some luck and if we play like we did three days ago then we deserve to be rewarded. In football you can be unlucky one day but over time the luck balances out and you get rewarded."