Korea Republic had opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Australia while Afghanistan needed three points - having lost 2-1 to Iraq on Saturday - to keep their hopes alive.

Korea Republic quickly seized control and easily dealt with Afghanistan’s sporadic attacks.

However, Afghanistan had their first sight at goal in the 19th minute through Ali Zahidi but his shot lacked venom and it was easily collected by Korea Republic custodian Shin Song-hoon.

Australia needed the three points following their 3-0 loss to Korea Republic in their opening tie.

Iraq, who opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Afghanistan, will now face Korea Republic on the final matchday of Group D to decide their fate.

The National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will now host the India-Indonesia tie while IR Iran and Vietnam will play at the UM Arena.

Both matches will kick off at 2045 hours (local time).

The Quarter-final match between the Group C winners and Group D runners-up on October 1, has also been moved to the National Stadium.

The change in venues took into consideration the security and access control concerns raised by both the Football Associations of Malaysia and Indonesia.

The 2008 champions have yet to score after their 2-0 loss in the opener against Indonesia and a 0-0 stalemate with India on Monday.

Alireza Bavieh came close to scoring IR Iran’s first goal of the tournament against India on Monday but was denied by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar, who was quick to parry his penalty in the 74th minute.

On top of Continental glory, the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 also serves as the Asian qualifiers, where the top four teams will earn berths to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru, and Mueanta’s two-goal blitz against Malaysia ensured a 4-2 win over the host nation, reviving their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.

Mueanta admitted that the all-Southeast Asian affair at the National Stadium on Sunday was a tough match, but their past meetings gave him much needed experience, saying: “Malaysia is a really good team and had a good preparation, but having played against them before, that experience has been useful here.

“I’m glad to score in this game to help my team take the lead against Malaysia. But the goals are not important, because our target is to bring Thailand to the World Cup."

India have experienced different highs in the competition, with a late goal in their first match against Vietnam giving them three points and a late penalty save by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar salvaging a point against IR Iran on Monday as the South Asians inched closer to a first quarter-final berth since 2002.

India not only soaked up the pressure against the Central Asians in the second half but almost stole the game at the end with Lalchhanhime Sailo coming close in stoppage time.