Turkmenistan’s were Iran’s toughest challenge yet, but that didn’t stop the defending champions from showing their prowess with Hossein Tayebi breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute, before Saeid Ahmadabbasi doubled their advantage moments before the halftime break. 

Turkmenistan were still very much in the game as they challenged the champions, but a Shiri Bayradurdyyev own goal in the 38th minute ended their hopes of a comeback. 

Iran will take on Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday, while Turkmenistan face a must-win match against Maldives. 

Kyrgyz Republic were cruising against Maldives with Azamat Isabekov, Azamat Dolotkeldiev and Marlen Zholdubaev securing them a 3-0 lead in the first half.

Aiderbek Abdyzhalil Uulu and Abdurakhim Daniar Uulu made it 5-0 with their efforts in the 28th and 30th minutes, before Hussain Shareef pulled one back a minute later. 

But a Saamin Mohamed Naseer own goal restored Uzbekistan’s five-goal lead, before Abdyzhalil Uulu sealed the win with his second goal in the final minute. 

After their opening day defeat, Nepal surprised many by taking a third minute lead through Aadil Hamid’s effort, but it only lasted five minutes with Idris Yorov equalising for Tajikistan. 

Tajikistan, however, turned on the power in the second half with 10 unanswered goals to bag their first win in Group B. Umed Kuziev put Tajikistan ahead for the first time in the 21st minute, before Fayzali Sardorov scored a  hat-trick with goals in the 25th, 31st and 32nd minutes. 

Shavqat Halimov’s brace came next with efforts in the 33rd and 34th minutes, before Kuziev picked up his second moments later. Samandar Rizomov also etched his name on the scoresheet in the 37th and 38th minutes, with Yorov ending proceedings shortly after. 

Nepal are now no longer in contention for a place in Kuwait 2022, and will look to end their qualifying campaign against Afghanistan with a win, while Tajikistan will only need to avoid defeat against Uzbekistan on Tuesday to finish top two in the group. 

Afghanistan were desperate for a win after their draw with Tajikistan, and were ahead just two minutes into the match through Ali Amiri, but Uzbekistan replied seconds later through Khusniddin Nishonov finding the back of the net. 

Ikhtiyor Ropiev then put Uzbekistan ahead with successive goals in the seventh and eight minutes, before Davron Choriev gave the White Wolves a three-goal lead by the 11th minute. 

Uzbekistan then put the game beyond doubt with Dilshod Rakhmatov scoring in the 32nd minute.