Ahmad Al Salih scored Syria’s leveller deep into injury time in a 2-2 draw with China – a result that is set to bury Chinese hopes of reaching Russia.

Ahmad Al Salih scored Syria’s leveller deep into injury time in a 2-2 draw with China – a qualifying draw that is set to bury Chinese hopes of reaching Russia.

Chinese fans were not taking the news well on social media.

Al Salih plays for Henan in the Chinese Super League, and fans are calling for his dismissal for ruining the country’s bid to qualify for the World Cup finals.

“Whether China can reach the 2018 World Cup or not is all decided by Henan,” said one Twitter user.

“Henan must sack Al Salih or we’ll sack Henan from the Chinese Super League,” said another.

The situation invokes memories of the time Ahn Jung-hwan was sacked by Italian club Perugia after he scored South Korea’s winner in a 2-1 victory over Italy in the World Cup last 16.

Al Salih hit a brilliant free-kick in Malaysia as China ended up bottom of Group A with only two games left.

 “We still have chances in the next two matches. Good luck to Syria, good luck to China,” said Al Salih.

China are struggling to qualify. They need to overcome Uzbekistan by more than two goals in their next qualifier and Qatar while hoping Uzbekistan lose to South Korea at home.

There were some great goals in the latest round of the @FIFAWorldCup Asian Qualifiers! Which one is your favourite? #WCQ2018 #RoadToRussia pic.twitter.com/4yVl5Nw22k

— The-AFC.com (@theafcdotcom) June 14, 2017