The big victories propelled both sides to the top of their respective groups as the journey to reach the Finals began in earnest.

The hopefuls have been split into 10 groups – six of four, one of three and three of five – to battle in a centralised league format, which runs until October 27.

All group winners, along with the five best-placed runners-up, will progress to the 20th edition of the Finals, with two-time winners Saudi Arabia (1985, 1988) automatically qualifying as they host the tournament for the second time after 1992.

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