Three - time Asian Cup champions Saudi Arabia lose 2 - 1 to Syria in opening game . Syrians , ranked fourth in world , triumph in first match at home since 1996 . Japan , also seeking a record fourth title , score late equalizer against Jordan . Qatar welcomes half the world for 2011 Asian Cup . The 16-team tournament continues on Monday with first matches of Group C schedule .
Three - time Asian Cup champions Saudi Arabia lose 2 - 1 to Syria in opening game . Syrians , ranked fourth in world , triumph in first match at home since 1996 . Japan , also seeking a record fourth title , score late equalizer against Jordan . The 16-team tournament continues on Monday with first matches of Group C schedule .