Fresh from their 1-0 win over India on Matchday Two, UAE came into the match against Oman with the aim of securing three points and got off to a superb start as they broke the deadlock within the first 10 seconds. 

The action began with Mohammed Abbas Alblooshi’s long-range pass into the final third, with Omani defender Issa Khalfan Al Naabi mishandling his first touch to allow Marwan Fahad Alwatani to pounce on the loose ball and slot home one of the fastest goals of the Qualifiers.

Oman, who had bounced back into contention after beating Kyrgyz Republic three days earlier, were unfazed by the early deficit and went close in the 33rd minute when Waleed Salim Al Musalmi connected to Sultan Said Ali’s cross into the box, but he failed to get his header on target.

Dario Basic’s Oman side came out in the second half with determination showing in their eyes and controlled much of the ball, but UAE’s disciplined defending meant goalkeeper Suhail Abdulla Almutawa faced no threats.

UAE confirmed the points in the 86th minute when a series of passes left the Omani defence baffled, with Majid Rashid Almehrzi setting up Ali Saleh Amri for a fine finish.

INDIA 0-0 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Both teams went into the tie knowing their hopes depended on winning after UAE's 2-0 defeat of Oman in the earlier match.

A Kyrgyz Republic triumph would have meant top spot for the Central Asian side on the head-to-head - having defeated UAE 2-1 in their opener - while victory for India would see them finishing second after having been edged 1-0 by the West Asians on Matchday Two.

The match got off to an even start with Kyrgyz Republic the first to have a peek on goal but Temirbolot Tapaev saw his 11th minute effort blocked by India goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh.

India responded with an attempt of their own in the 21st minute with Rahim Ali laying the ball for Vikram Partap Singh whose his left-footed strike narrowly missed the target. 

Dheeraj Singh then ensured India remained level by denying Alimardon Shukurov who had slipped behind the defence in the 30th minute

Having ended the first half with the upper hand, Kyrgyz Republic had a huge chance to open the scoring in the 49th minute but Alygulov Maksat couldn't get his header on target. 

Dheeraj then rescued India again by denying Tapaev in the 64th minute while at the other end, Rahul Praveen's long range effort was denied by the crossbar in the 73rd minute.

Both sides pressed forward as the minutes ticked away but neither could find a way through as they settled for a share of the points.

With their final stats even, India won the penalty shoot-out 4-2 to finish second and will now have to wait to know whether it is enough for them to advance as one of the best four runners-up.