Group A
Tajikistan and Philippines ensured Group A will go down to the wire after both registered wins on Tuesday.

Tajikistan turned on the power against Timor-Leste, cruising to a 5-0 win which vaulted them to the top of the standings on goal difference.

Philippines had to work harder for their 2-0 win against Maldives and - with the reverse fixture against Tajikistan having ended in a 2-2 draw - they have to win when they travel to Dushanbe for their Matchday Six showdown in March.

The Southeast Asian side are seeking just a second appearance at the Finals after making their debut in 2019 while Tajikistan are chasing back-to-back qualification after making the quarter-finals at their continental bow in the 2023 edition.

Group B
Lebanon hold a two-point lead but with direct challengers Yemen up next for them, Group B is set for a grandstand finish.

Lebanon moved up to 13 points with a 3-0 defeat of Brunei Darussalam while Yemen turned on the power to cruise 7-1 past Bhutan.

Both will be confident of their chances, with Lebanon seeking a third consecutive appearance at the Finals while Yemen are hoping to make a return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2023 Finals.

Group C
Singapore added more history to the AFC Asian Cup by coming from behind to defeat Hong Kong, China 2-1 at the Kai Tai Stadium.

Their only previous appearance on the continental stage was when they hosted the 1984 edition and having qualified on merit for the first time, the Southeast Asian side will be relishing the opportunity of challenging the continent's best at Saudi Arabia 2027.

Victory over Hong Kong, China meant that Singapore are assured of the Group C top spot irrespective of what happens on Matchday Six but Gavin Lee's side will aim to sign off with victory against Bangladesh before kicking off their preparations for the Finals.

Group D
Another group which will be decided on Matchday Six with Turkmenistan holding the advantage despite being tied on 12 points with Thailand.

The Central Asian side won the reverse fixture 3-1 in June but Thailand will feel that home ground advantage will take them over the finishing line.

Both were at their best on Matchday Five, with Turkmenistan easing 3-1 past Chinese Taipei while Thailand cruised to a 4-0 win against Sri Lanka.

Thailand are seeking a third consecutive appearance at the Finals while Turkmenistan are bidding for a return after missing the 2023 edition.

Group E
Despite having confirmed their ticket on Matchday Four, Syria did not take their foot off the pedal on Tuesday as they defeated Pakistan 5-0.

The target will now be to complete their Group E campaign with a perfect record before setting their sights on a successful AFC Asian Cup, with the Round of 16 appearance at Qatar 2023 Syria's best outing in seven previous appearances.

Group F
Malaysia stayed perfect but Vietnam kept within touching distance, ensuring Group F will also go down to the wire.

Malaysia were made to work hard by Nepal for their 1-0 win, with the victory making it five victories from five for the Southeast Asian side.

Regional rivals Vietnam played a day later but were able to cope with the pressure as two second-half goals sealed them a 2-0 win against Laos.

Vietnam sit three points behind but with their home fans backing them on Matchday Six, will spare no effort to take the sole qualifying ticket from the group.