Kuwait, seeking an 11th title, fought back after going behind to close in on the semi-finals, with the winning goal coming in the closing minutes.

UAE took the lead through a header by striker Caio Canedo after an excellent effort by Harib Abdullah in the fifth minute.

Backed by their passionate fans, Kuwait equalised through Mohammed Daham in the 16th minute.

Both sides had opportunities to move ahead but UAE suffered a blow in the 86th minute when Kouame Autonne was sent off, with Moath Al-Enezi scoring Kuwait's winner in the 89th minute.

Issam Al Sabhi was the star with a brace as Oman defeated two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions Qatar 2-1.

With both having drawn their opening matches, victory was imperative and Qatar got off to a fine start with Almoez Ali putting them ahead in the second minute.

Oman fought back and earned a penalty in the 20th minute with Al Sabhi converting emphatically.

Boosted by the equaliser, Oman continued to press and took the lead in the 52nd minute when Al Sabhi swept home a cross from full-back Ali Al Busaidi.