The West Asians overcame tough conditions to defeat Sri Lanka 3-0 in their Group H tie to move up to third in the standings on six points, with Korea Republic and DPR Korea ahead by a point in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Hilal El-Helwe scored a brace while Hassan Maatouk slotted home from the penalty spot as Lebanon claimed their second consecutive win, having edged Turkmenistan 2-1 last Thursday.

First-half penalties from Hassan Maatouk and Hilal El-Helwe laid the foundations for the success as Liviu Ciobotariu’s charges, fresh from last week’s defeat of Turkmenistan, added yet more impetus to their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Asian Qualifiers Group H campaign.

The result, which was sealed courtesy of a late El-Helwe strike, leaves Lebanon on six points and occupying third spot in the group standings following second-placed DPR Korea’s 0-0 draw with table-topping Korea Republic earlier in the day.

Both unbeaten and yet to concede a goal in Group H, the teams emerged with both records still intact, with Korea Republic remaining at the top of the group on goal difference after three matches.

Helio Sousa's side stunned Asia's top ranked team Islamic Republic of Iran 1-0 in a gripping Group C tie while Palestine also walked tall after holding three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in Group D.

The historic clash between DPR Korea and Korea Republic, meanwhile, also ended 0-0 in Pyongyang.

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Marcello Lippi's men came into the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying tie as firm favourites - having plundered 12 goals without reply in their earlier two matches - but found Etheridge-inspired Philippines impossible to crack.

The point is a boost to the Azkals qualifying hopes, having opened their campaign with a 5-2 defeat to Syria before rebounding to beat Guam 4-1 in the September fixtures, taking them to third in the group standings.

Al Hardan held his nerve to convert a decisive 65th minute penalty as Bahrain secured their second victory of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Cup China 2023 qualifying campaign.

With Iraq leading the way following their 4-0 defeat of Cambodia, the result sent Bahrain to second in the group standings, while Iran – reeling from their first World Cup qualifying loss in 24 matches – are third.

Korea Republic and DPR Korea played to a goalless draw in Pyongyang, leaving them both on seven points in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying.