Korea Republic, having won their earlier two matches, flexed their muscles as early as the third minute when Kim Chan slotted home from close range to open the scoring, courtesy of Cho Sang-jun’s cross, who turned scorer four minutes later to double their lead. 

The East Asian side went three goals up in the 24th minute through Lee Kyu-hyuk’s strike from an acute angle that deflected off Singapore captain Jacob Mahler, before Park Jeong-in got into the goal scoring action in the 40th minute with his sliding effort. 

Singapore were quicker on their feet in the second half, but Korea Republic still had firm control on the match and Choi Jun added their fifth goal of the night after William had initially cleared the ball from danger. 

Determined to impress their supporters, Singapore pulled one back in the 57th minute through Muhammad Nur Adam’s sublime strike into the top right corner. 

The goal invigorated the Southeast Asian side and they found more opportunities to test Korea Republic goalkeeper Lee Gwang-yeon, but the defending champions held firm to book their spot in Uzbekistan 2022 in style. 

Both sides started cagily, with Timor-Leste clinging on to a slim hope of a top two finish while Philippines were aiming to end their campaign on a high after suffering defeats in their earlier two matches. 

Philippines had the better early chances with  Jens Sebastian Rasmussen first denied by the crossbar and then seeing his long-range strike saved by goalkeeper Junildo Manuel Pereira, before the match was brought to a halt due to inclement weather.

Little changed when the match resumed, with attacking but Timor-Leste were formidable in defence with the first half ending goalless.

Timor-Leste upped their tempo in the second half and their quick passes saw the game open up but neither side could penetrate the other’s defence. 

That, however, changed in the closing seconds as substitute  Zenivo Conceicao Mota slotted home the matchwinner, leaving Philippines stunned.