It will be a meeting between former two-time champions with Japan having enjoyed a largely untroubled journey into the knock-out stage while Oman advanced from Group B as the runners-up after a nervy final day.

Both teams showed grit in sealing their quarter-final berths, albeit in different fashions, and their match-up promises to be a competitive and exciting affair.

Join the-AFC.com as we a take a look at how the teams made their way into the last eight after some breathtaking action featuring Asia's future stars.

Malaysia had opened their campaign with a 6-2 win over Tajikistan but suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Thailand in their second match.

Japan defeated Thailand 5-2 in their opening match but were then held to a 0-0 draw by a plucky Tajikistan, meaning whoever won on Thursday would advance to the quarter-finals.

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.”

There was joy for Oman too despite the defeat as they advanced to the last eight as the runners-up after Yemen stunned Jordan 5-1 in the group's other match.

Both sides went into the match tied on four points with Oman leading the standings on goal difference, having opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Yemen, and twice coming from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw with Jordan.

It had been the reverse for DPR Korea, who kicked off their tournament with a hard fought 2-2 draw with Jordan, before claiming a 1-0 victory over Yemen.

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.