Both sides were level on six points from two games coming into this third and final group fixture, but the UAE had an edge in better goal difference and knew they only needed a draw to progress.
The UAE looked comforted by that fact until after the hour when Kobilov nodded in Jasurbek Yakhshiboev’s corner. A second was then added by Javokir Sidikov on 90 minutes.
Now the hosts face an anxious wait to see whether they will still qualify for the Finals in China as one of five or six best runners-up.
The best first half chance fell to Uzbekistan two minutes before the interval when Zabikhillo Urinboev’s header in from Akramjon Komilov’s cross was picked out of the top corner by outstretched UAE keeper Mohammad Busanda. Moments later Suhail Saeed took a swipe from outside the area that was punched clear by Uzbekistan keeper Botirali Ergashev.
Sidikov’s free-kick sailed just over the cross bar after the break, and Mohammad Al Akberi tricked his way into the box but shot straight at the keeper up the other end before the hour.
Urinboev was fed into the box from Islomjon Kobilov’s long ball forward but struck at the keeper after the hour. But from the resulting corner, Islomjon Kobilov headed in Yakhshiboev's cross for the opener on 67 minutes.
Odiljon Xamrobekov could have added a second soon after when he was played into the box, but his chip back across goal only landed on the roof of the net.
Ali Al Yahyaee’s header from Shaheen Surour’s free-kick glanced just over with 15 minutes to spare as the UAE tried to get back into it.
But the victory was complete for Uzbekistan on 90 minutes when Sidikov smashed into the top corner from just inside the area.
Ravshan Khaydarov (Uzbekistan coach)
“No matter how hot the weather was, my players showed character. I think today was won with tactics and good strategy. The game was between two very similar teams but most important was our tactics, strategy and the defence also played very well. From start to finish we were in control with good results and we deserved to win this group.
“Of course we are very happy to have qualified by winning the group because we are now in the finals in China. Now we celebrate this win with all our Uzbek fans and supporters.”
Hassan Al Abdouli (UAE coach)
“We had a strong feeling and belief that we could win because we knew a draw wouldn’t serve us and our targets. In the first half we didn’t play offensively enough, so we tried to change our style in the second half, indeed Uzbekistan did that better and we didn’t play as we planned to.
“We made technical mistakes and our physical fitness levels were at a minimum because we were exhausted after having already played two games, that was clear from the beginning.
“As the Uzbek coach stated at the beginning of this tournament as well, his side have played 20 friendlies together and they have been together as the same side for two years, whereas we have just got together in the last 37 days. From the second match we were exhausted but we don’t have any excuses for what happened today."
Two goals from Hassan Kourani saw Lebanon beat Nepal 2-0 in the final match of Group D qualification for the AFC U-23 Championship in Al Ain on Wednesday.
Kourani opened before the half hour and added a second on 90 minutes in a match played entirely for pride after both sides had already crashed out with two defeats.
Kourani tapped in for Lebanon on 29 minutes after getting onto the end of Mohammad Kdouh’s cross, headed down by Hassan Hammoud.
He could have added another after the half hour after following up from Kdouh’s cross, spilled by Nepal keeper Alan Neupane. However his effort hit the crossbar.
Free-kicks from Nepal’s Sunil Bal and Gurung Heman both sailed just over after the break as the Gorkhalis looked for a way back.
But Lebanon continued to push, but Nepal keeper Neupane put in an inspired performance to deny copious attacks from The Cedars.
Lebanon keeper Mostafa Mata was also called upon with 10 minutes to spare to punch Bal’s screaming effort clear, as Nepal refused to give up hope in front of their vocal support who made up the majority of a 1,850 crowd.
But their hopes were dashed on 90 minutes when Kourani buried his second from Kdouh’s cross.
Raju Kaji Shakya (Nepal Coach)
“Today we played very good, everyday we showed improvement from the first game to the last. We had two or three really good chances and could have scored, we played really hard but it was very tough. Overall I’m happy with the improvement. Although we were knocked out I think we gained big experience for the next tournament."
Milic Curcic (Lebanon coach)
“I was satisfied with the first half, we had many chances and scored, but we needed to score more. I don’t know what happened in the second half, no one told them to defend, the agreement was to attack more.
“We hoped for more and wanted more, in football you always have a chance and we played to the end. But in my opinion Uzbekistan and the UAE were on a bigger level and our team made mistakes in those first two matches, if we hadn’t done, our chances would have been better. The best teams are going to China for sure.” 
