The Central Asians topped Group F with a convincing 3-0 victory against India and drawing 0-0 with Tajikistan while the runners-up in the 2018 final Vietnam topped Group K, ahead of Thailand, who had already qualified as host of the competition.

And the 2016 champions Japan were undefeated in Group I where they recorded stunning victories over Macau (8-0), Timor Leste (6-0) and host Myanmar (7-0).

There is extra significance for the AFC U-23 Championships, which will take place from January 8 to 26, 2020, as the top three teams qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in July, although should Japan emerge as one of them, the fourth-placed side will advance.

Matchday One
(all times in local hours)

Group A

Qatar 2-2 Oman
REPORT

Nepal 0-2 Afghanistan
REPORT

Matchday One
(all times in local hours)

Group A

Afghanistan 1-2 Oman
REPORT

Nepal v Qatar
REPORT

Matchday One
(all times in local hours)

Group A

Oman 1-0 Nepal
REPORT

Qatar 2-0 Afghanistan
REPORT

UAE emerged as group winners, and sealed direct qualification to Thailand 2020, after a dramatic finale between two of West Asia's football heavyweights ended 1-1.

Goals to UAE's Zayed Al Ameri and Saudi Arabia's Saad Al Sululi meant the sides couldn't be separated on the night, with UAE's superior goal difference confirming their status as table-toppers.

While Saudi Arabia were unable to claim the win they needed to top the group, they did enough to secure the 16th and final place in the Finals, scraping in as the fourth-best runners-up ahead of Tajikistan.

Malaysia 2-2 China PR

China PR and Malaysia went into the match having won their earlier matches but it was the hosts, with 25,000 fans backing them, who held the upperhand in the opening minutes.

Hadi Fayyadh led the charge for Malaysia as he caused problems for China PR. The Fagiano Okayama forward made promising runs against the East Asians who were, however, quick to deal with the threat.