Philippines defeated Maldives 2-1 on Thursday, with Ramsay breaking the deadlock in the second half, before John-Patrick Strauss sealed the victory for the Azkals.

The win kept Philippines in the hunt for a place the third round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying and a confirmed berth in the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals as they are now tied with China PR with seven points.

Maldives were more organised in the first half while the visitors missed a penalty before the stroke of half-time.

The Azkals, however, came back roaring in the second half with two goals before Maldives scored a late consolation.

The win for the Philippines means they stay in touch with the group’s heavyweights - Syria and China PR - with seven points.

Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang put the ball in his own net after Wu Lei had earlier cancelled out Osama Omari’s header to leave Marcello Lippi’s side in second place in the group, level on seven points with the Philippines after four matches.

It was a result which led to Lippi announcing his resignation, which was subsequently accepted by the Chinese Football Association.

Lippi announced his intention to stand down from the role during the post-match press conference after Zhang Linpeng’s 76th minute own goal handed Syria a fourth win in a row to leave China PR’s hopes of advancing to the next round in jeopardy.

There has been no shortage of excitement as the Continent's top 40 teams lock horns, with automatic qualification to the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Finals guaranteed for the eight group winners and four best second-placed teams.

That will also seal them a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, while the next 24 best-placed teams will advance to the final stage of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup China 2023.

Youssef Naser scored a brace while Fahad Al Ansari, Mubarak Al Faneeni, Bader Al Mutawa, Faisal Zaid, Shabib Al Khaldi and Faisal Ajab scored a goal each with Chinese Taipei’s Chan Wei-chuan adding to the win with an own goal.

The win took Kuwait to seven points and second in the group, ahead of Jordan on goal difference. Jordan suffered a 1-0 defeat to Australia in Group B’s other match on Thursday.

Substitute Ali Abbas’ added-time strike secured the victory for Iraq who took the lead through Mohanad Ali after just 11 minutes before Iran drew level in the 25th minute through Ahmed Nourollahi.