AFC Asian Cup
A thrilling day of action saw highs and lows and the-AFC.com takes a look at how it all stands, with only the six group winners to advance to the Finals.
Down to the wire
Barring the unexpected, Group A looks set to be only decided in March when Tajikistan host Philippines.
Barring the unexpected, Group A looks set to be only decided in March when Tajikistan host Philippines.
Both completed the last two matchdays with victories, with Philippines top of the table on superior goal difference.
Up next for the Southeast Asian side are Maldives away while Timor-Leste will host Tajikistan, with the pacesetters expecting wins to set up a cracker in March.
Up next for the Southeast Asian side are Maldives away while Timor-Leste will host Tajikistan, with the pacesetters expecting wins to set up a cracker in March.
Yemen out to spoil Lebanon's party
Back-to-back wins see Yemen just two points behind Lebanon in Group B, which also looks likely to be only decided on the final matchday.
Back-to-back wins see Yemen just two points behind Lebanon in Group B, which also looks likely to be only decided on the final matchday.
Yemen face Bhutan in November and will be determined to not slip up against the winless South Asians.
Lebanon will also tread carefully when they travel to face Brunei Darussalam in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Lebanon will also tread carefully when they travel to face Brunei Darussalam in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Can Singapore do it?
A last gasp goal for India on Matchday Three looked to have ended Singapore's hopes but the Southeast Asian side rose to the occasion in the reverse fixture to win 2-1.
A last gasp goal for India on Matchday Three looked to have ended Singapore's hopes but the Southeast Asian side rose to the occasion in the reverse fixture to win 2-1.
With Bangladesh holding group leaders Hong Kong, China 1-1, Singapore find themselves level on eight points with the East Asian side with the two to meet at the Kai Tak Stadium in November to decide the Group C winners.
Singapore will go into the tie knowing they will probably never get a better chance to qualify for the Finals on merit, with their only previous appearance in 1984 when they hosted the continental showpiece.
More than 45,000 fans cheered Hong Kong, China on Tuesday and a similar number can be expected with the East Asian side seeking back-to-back qualification.
Singapore will go into the tie knowing they will probably never get a better chance to qualify for the Finals on merit, with their only previous appearance in 1984 when they hosted the continental showpiece.
More than 45,000 fans cheered Hong Kong, China on Tuesday and a similar number can be expected with the East Asian side seeking back-to-back qualification.
Turkmenistan, Thailand set for titanic tussle
Having both experienced highs and lows in Group D, Turkmenistan and Thailand will be focused on achieving victories next month to set up a final day clash in March.
Having both experienced highs and lows in Group D, Turkmenistan and Thailand will be focused on achieving victories next month to set up a final day clash in March.
Sri Lanka derailed what looked like a cruise for Turkmenistan with their Matchday Three victory but the Central Asian side returned the favour on Tuesday and lead the standings on a better head-to-head while consecutive wins over Chinese Taipei saw Thailand regain their place in the race for the Finals.
Up next for Turkmenistan are Chinese Taipei at home while Thailand face a trip to Colombo for their tie against a dangerous Sri Lanka.
Up next for Turkmenistan are Chinese Taipei at home while Thailand face a trip to Colombo for their tie against a dangerous Sri Lanka.
Syria get the job done
They had to wait till late into the match but Syria's patience was well rewarded as a 3-0 win against Myanmar confirmed them the Group E top spot and also booked their ticket to the Finals.
They had to wait till late into the match but Syria's patience was well rewarded as a 3-0 win against Myanmar confirmed them the Group E top spot and also booked their ticket to the Finals.
Having sealed qualification with two matches to spare, Syria's focus will now be on getting ready for the continental showpiece - having advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in seven participations at Qatar 2023.
Malaysia stay focused
Malaysia showed resilience as they came from behind to defeat Laos 5-1 on Tuesday, having defeated their Southeast Asian rivals 3-0 in the reverse fixture.
Malaysia showed resilience as they came from behind to defeat Laos 5-1 on Tuesday, having defeated their Southeast Asian rivals 3-0 in the reverse fixture.
That kept Malaysia perfect and they will have to keep charging on, with Vietnam three points behind.
Nepal are next for Malaysia in November, with Vietnam to play Laos and wins for both will set up thrilling Matchday Six showdown, with Malaysia having won the first meeting 4-0.
Nepal are next for Malaysia in November, with Vietnam to play Laos and wins for both will set up thrilling Matchday Six showdown, with Malaysia having won the first meeting 4-0.
