Kyrgyz Republic fell to a 2-0 home defeat to Japan on Thursday, but Tajikistan were unable to capitalise, suffering a shock loss against the previously winless Myanmar, leaving the two Central Asian sides locked together on six points from four matches.

With four of the eight second-place finishers in this stage of the Asian Qualifiers to advance to the final round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying, Tuesday’s clash looms as a must-win game for both sides.

Facing the second-highest seed in the group against the backdrop of a chilly Bishkek evening, goals from Takumi Minamino and Genki Haraguchi either side of half-time helped the Samurai Blue seal what was ultimately a convincing win; their fourth in succession without conceding a goal in the Asian Qualifiers.

Speaking after the game, Moriyasu said he had been impressed by his side’s ability to achieve the result which took them a step closer to the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying campaign.

Takumi Minamino converted a penalty kick just before the half-time break, and Genki Haraguchi netted a free-kick just after it, as Hajime Moiryasu’s side took a six-point lead at the top of Group F at the half-way point of the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

Kyrgyz Republic’s defeat is their second in four matches, but goal difference puts them ahead of their next opponents Tajikistan, who suffered a 4-3 loss to Myanmar.

In what proved to be a wonderfully topsy-turvy at the Mandalar Thiri Stadium, Myanmar – with returning head coach Antoine Hey watching on from the sidelines – withstood a late Tajikistan rally to break a run of three successive defeats and breath much needed life into the nation’s qualification hopes.

The result leaves Myanmar still occupying fifth place in the group standings but having closed the gap on the teams above then, while Tajikistan remain third with six points from their four fixtures.

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.

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.

China PR and Islamic Republic of Iran suffered defeats, as did the United Arab Emirates while Korea Republic were held to a goalless draw by a battling Lebanon in Beirut.

Australia and Japan stayed perfect as they both recorded their fourth consecutive wins while Saudi Arabia showed great determination, twice coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan.

Stay with the-AFC.com as we bring you the latest on the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, with Matchday Six coming up on Tuesday.