Asian champs Iraq held by China in 2010 qualifier

DUBAI (Reuters) - Captain Zheng Zhi scored a late equaliser to earn China a 1-1 draw against Asian Cup holders Iraq in their opening 2010 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The Charlton Athletic midfielder found the net with 15 minutes remaining to earn China a valuable point away from home after Taher Hawartheir had put Iraq ahead on 51 minutes from the penalty spot.

Iraq, who will play their home Group One games in other Gulf countries because of the precarious security situation at home, were dealt a double blow when they lost their two best players during the game.

Captain Younis Mahmoud, the Asian Cup player of the tournament, retired injured early in the game and midfield playmaker Nashat Akram was given his marching orders on 71 minutes for a second bookable offence.

Akram is currently appealing the British government's decision to deny him a work permit to play for Premier League side Manchester City.

(Writing by Martin Petty in Bangkok)