TURKMENISTAN 0-2 IRAQ

Iraq had opened their campaign with a 5-0 win over Yemen on Matchday 1 while Turkmenistan had suffered a 3-1 defeat to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iraq, champions of the inaugural edition in 2013, started the better of the two on Sunday and their early pressing paid off at the PAS Stadium in Tehran as forward Murad Mohammed Subeh, who scored twice in the win over Yemen, gave them the lead in the 17th minute.

AFGHANISTAN 1 OMAN 2

Oman kept their campaign on track, recording their second successive narrow win with a 2-1 victory over Afghanistan.

Second half goals to Ahmed Al Matroushi and Muhsen Al Ghassani took the Omanis to six points from two matches, setting up Tuesday's match against group hosts Qatar to decide who takes the group's direct qualification place in Thailand.

Afghanistan's defeat leaves them without a point after two matches, meaning their qualification hopes have been dashed following Qatar's win against Nepal in Sunday's later match.

Both West Asian teams will head into the deciding tie needing a win as they are not only tied on six points but also on goal difference after having beaten Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with identical scores.

Palestine, having defeated Sri Lanka 9-0 on Matchday One, beat Bangladesh 1-0 on Sunday. Bahrain matched Palestine's result as they shipped nine past Sri Lanka, having had to work hard to see off Bangladesh 1-0 on Friday.

DPR Korea and Hong Kong are tied with four points apiece, followed by Singapore who have now settled for two draws in two matches.

The East Asians face Hong Kong in their final qualifying match, while Singapore will have to beat Mongolia on Tuesday to keep their hopes alive.

Australia and Korea Republic are both level on top of the standings after collecting their second wins and Graham Arnold’s charges will play the Koreans on Tuesday, while Chinese Taipei take on Cambodia.

After two consecutive wins, Malaysia and China will face off on Tuesday to decide the group winners, with the East Asians ahead on goal difference.

Vietnam and Thailand are now tied on six points after two consecutive wins and will face off on Tuesday to decide the group winners.

Thailand, however, are through by virtue of being the host for the Finals, and in the event the young War Elephants finish as group winners, Vietnam would need to advance as one of the best five second-placed finishers instead.