There was joy for Oman too despite the defeat as they advanced to the last eight as the runners-up after Yemen stunned Jordan 5-1 in the group's other match.

Both sides went into the match tied on four points with Oman leading the standings on goal difference, having opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Yemen, and twice coming from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with Jordan.

It had been the reverse for DPR Korea, who kicked off their tournament with a hard fought 2-2 draw with Jordan, before claiming a 1-0 victory over Yemen.

Jordan kickstarted their campaign with a 2-2 draw against DPR Korea and picked up another point in a 2-2 stalemate with Oman on Monday and a win against already eliminated Yemen would have seen them progress to the knockout stage.

Yemen, who lost 2-0 to Oman in their opener and 1-0 to DPR Korea, started the match with purpose as they camped in the Jordanian half in the opening minutes and scored two quick goals to stun their opponents.

Tajikistan - who rebounded from a 6-2 defeat to Malaysia to hold Japan to a 0-0 draw on Matchday Two, needed a win while hoping Japan would beat Malaysia for the Central Asians to reach the quarter-finals.

For Thailand, who defeated Malaysia 4-2 in their second match, a win would have been enough to make the knockout stage berth.

With Japan defeating Malaysia 2-0, Tajikistan advanced as Group A runners-up.

Malaysia had opened their campaign with a 6-2 win over Tajikistan but suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Thailand in their second match.

Japan defeated Thailand 5-2 in their opening match but were then held to a 0-0 draw by a plucky Tajikistan, meaning whoever won on Thursday would advance to the quarter-finals.