Sunil Chhetri struck twice in the closing minutes as India boosted their hopes of sealing a place in the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with the India captain taking his tally to 74 international goals – above Argentina's Lionel Messi and one off entering world football’s all-time top 10.

The result is a setback for Kyrgyz Republic who missed out on the chance to go level on points with regional rivals Tajikistan in second and saw Mongolia avenge their 2-1 defeat in the first meeting between the sides in October 2019.

The hosts took the lead after just five minutes, Miki Yamane’s incisive through ball met the run of Takuma Asano and when his attempt was charged down by a flying Rustam Yatimov, the ball broke only as far as Kyogo Furuhashi who fired into an empty net.

Japan’s advantage lasted just three minutes as a fine cross from Manucher Safarov reached the head of Ehson Panshanbe and he re-directed the ball smartly home past goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda.

Iraq were the last team in the group to resume their campaign, with their rivals having played four days ago, and the West Asians hit the ground running as they reclaimed top spot with the win, with Islamic Republic of Iran and Bahrain to meet later on Monday.

Mardak Mardikian scored twice in the opening nine minutes and Mahmoud Al Mawas added a late third to maintain the Syrians’ perfect record with seven wins from seven games, meaning neither second-placed China PR or the Philippines can supplant them at the top of the table.

Victory also means Nabil Maloul’s team have booked their place among the 24 teams who will at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Salem Al Dawsari opened the scoring for his country and Fahad Al Muwallad followed up with a first-half brace as the game was put to bed before the break. Unlike in their 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, Yemen were unable to pose any serious threat throughout Saturday’s fixture.

The Cedars went into the game level on points with Group H leaders Korea Republic and knowing a win could secure a top-two finish, but were dealt a blow when they fell behind to Waseem Razeek's early goal.

Lebanon's response was swift, however, and they went into the interval 3-1 up after Joan Oumari bagged a brace and Mohamad Kdouh also netted. Sri Lanka pulled one back through Razeek's penalty just after the hour, but the West Asians held out to move onto 10 points from four matches.