Member Associations - AFGHANISTAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AFF)

Four-time winners Japan have Tajikistan, Korea Republic and Kyrgyz Republic for company in Group C while standing in Iran's way in Group D are Kuwait, Bahrain and Afghanistan.

All three goals were scored in a space of four minutes late in the game with Almoez Ali’s double doing the trick for the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, confirming them as Group A winners with two matches to spare.

Trailing to a Sunil Chhetri penalty at the interval, Afghanistan drew level through Rahmat Akbari in the 70th minute, with Sharif Mukhammad converting from the spot in the 88th minute for Afghanistan to take the win and draw level with India on four points.

India, meanwhile, will hope for a better outcome when they host Afghanistan following Thursday's draw.

The result took India to four points from three matches, while for Afghanistan, this was their first point. The teams meet again in Guwahati on Tuesday.

Fresh from successfully defending their AFC Asian Cup title on home soil last month, Marquez Lopez's side will start as favourites against Kuwait, with Afghanistan to play India in the other Group A tie.

Islamic Republic of Iran's bid for a record-extending 13th title will kick off in Group D with the tournament scheduled for April 17-28, 2024.

Three points on Matchday Two take Kuwait up to second in Group A, three points adrift of leaders Qatar.

Afghanistan face Kuwait, with both teams aiming to rebound after having suffered defeats on Matchday One.

The home team needed just 11 minutes to open their account in the qualifiers through captain Hassan Al Haydos who arrived late in the box, picking up Akarm Afif’s pulled back pass and hammering it low into the back of the net.