Both sides came into the tie needing victory, with Maldives sharing the spoils with Bhutan in a 2-2 draw on Matchday One while Bahrain fell to a 2-0 defeat against China PR.

After a first half in which neither team was able to capitalise on their chances, Bahrain broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute through Ebrahim Ahmed Ayash to revive their hopes of advancing to the Finals.

Korea Republic dominated the early proceedings and took the lead in the eighth minute through Lee Su-yoon before the two-time winners struck twice from the penalty spot, courtesy of Lee Sang-yeon (15th) and Jun Min-seung (21st).

Bhutan had no answer to Korea Republic’s aggression as they conceded again in the 35th minute following Oh Haram’s effort, leaving the South Asian side with a mountain to climb heading into the break.

Bhutan held their own for as long as they could in the second half before Jun doubled his tally in the 67th minute to seal the win for Korea Republic.

Maldives face Korea Republic on Wednesday, with the East Asian side to then face Bahrain two days later.