The Joeys will take on Group C winners Indonesia in the quarter-finals on Monday after finishing runners-up to Korea Republic.

Australia, who began their campaign with a 3-0 loss to Korea Republic, came into the match with confidence after having defeated defending champions Iraq 2-1 on Matchday Two.

Afghanistan, who suffered losses to Iraq (2-1) and Korea Republic (7-0), were unable to cope with the Australian offence that had at least three forwards threatening their backline.

They will take on India in the quarter-finals on Monday, having defeated Australia (3-0) and Afghanistan (7-0) going into the tie against Iraq at the UM Arena.

Iraq needed a win to keep their hopes alive after having fallen 2-1 to Australia on Matchday Two, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Afghanistan.

The Central Asians took the lead through Ozodbek Panzhiev’s volley in the 38th minute, with Suphanat Mueanta scoring the equaliser in the 81st minute only for Zairov to score the winner with his header three minutes later.

The moment referee Shukri Hussain Alhunfush blew the final whistle, the Tajikistan bench ran onto the pitch in celebration as the win meant a quarter-final meeting with Group B winners DPR Korea on Sunday.

First half goals from three different DPR Korea players laid the foundation for Oman’s 3-1 defeat in their final Group B match on Thursday and the West Asians only advanced thanks to Yemen stunning Jordan 5-1. 

“Sure (I’m satisfied to have advanced), and I’m not unhappy with the boys’ performance today because the resistance from the other team was high,” said Al Sabahi during the post-match press conference. 

“I know we made some mistakes and we need to correct them, and stop it from happening again. Playing three games in seven days is also not easy.”

The 0-0 draw with Indonesia, together with Vietnam falling 5-0 to Islamic Republic of Iran meant India had qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002 edition.

They finished level on points with Indonesia - five - but the Southeast Asians took top spot due to goal difference and head coach Bibiano Fernandes’ side will face the Group D winners in the quarter-finals.

Group D will be decided later on Friday with current leaders Korea Republic facing defending champions Iraq and Australia facing Afghanistan.

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.

With Indonesia and India playing to a draw to finish with five points, Iran had to be satisfied with third place in the group.

Iran, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Indonesia and then were held 0-0 by India, showed their intent within the first minute through Amir Shabani’s volley that forced Vietnamese goalkeeper Nguyen Duy Dung into making his first save of the night.

Vietnam, who also only had one point to their name after a 1-0 defeat to India and a 1-1 draw with Indonesia, had some early chances but lacked finishing.