Abdllah Mohammed Al-Suwayid's strike in the second minute of added time secured Iraq the point that saw them edge Kuwait to top spot on goal difference.

Both Iraq and Kuwait - who drew 3-3 with Palestine - had to come from behind to salvage a point as the race for a spot in the Finals went down to the wire at the Seeb Sports Stadium in Muscat.

The win took Iraq to the top of the standings on seven points from three matches, ahead of Kuwait on goal difference while Palestine have six.

Iraq play Oman in their final match on Saturday while Kuwait, not in action on Thursday, face Palestine. Oman defeated Pakistan 1-0 on Saturday for their first win of the Qualifiers but have no hope of advancing.

The two had settled for a 1-1 draw in Sunday's meeting and needed wins to stay in sight of a place in the 2020 Finals, with Iraq defeating Pakistan 3-0 and Kuwait triumphing by the same margin against Oman.

The win took Kuwait to the top of the standings on seven points, having defeated Pakistan 2-1 in their opening match. Palestine are second on six, with a match in hand, while Iraq's tally from two matches is four.

Palestine, who defeated hosts Oman 1-0 on Friday, beat Pakistan 5-1 while Kuwait and Iraq took a point each after a 1-1 draw.

Iraq will play Pakistan on Tuesday while Kuwait will face Oman at the Seed Sports Stadium.

Kuwait came from behind to defeat Pakistan 2-1 while Palestine edged hosts Oman 1-0 at the Seeb Sports Complex in Muscat.

Ten other groups have already concluded their campaigns with Tajikistan the first to book their ticket in October, when they cruised past Group C with a perfect record.

Since then, Qatar (Group B), Islamic Republic of Iran (Group D), Bahrain (Group E), Saudi Arabia (Group F), Malaysia (Group G), Australia (Group H), Korea Republic (Group I), Japan (Group J) and Indonesia (Group K) also secured qualification as the group winners in November.

The Group A winners and the four best second-placed will join hosts Uzbekistan in the Finals.

Qatar, Islamic Republic of Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and Indonesia joined hosts Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, who emerged Group C winners in October with a perfect record of three wins, following the conclusion of nine qualifying groups on Sunday.

The complete cast will, however, be finalised at the end of November when Group A concludes on November 30.