Bahrain through after Oman draw

Milan Macala's side took a first-half lead through Faouzi Aaish only for Ismail Al Ajmi to equalise for Oman midway through the second period.

The result also means Japan qualify from Group Two following their 3-0 win in Thailand as only three points would have kept Oman’s hopes alive going into the final round of games.

After a low-key start, Bahrain were first to threaten after 15 minutes when Ala'a Hubail saw his powerful effort turned behind by Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi before the striker hit a first-time volley wide four minutes later.

Oman’s first real opportunity came after 23 minutes when Al Ajmi’s shot from inside the area was saved by Bahrain goalkeeper Sayed Mohamed Jaafar.

The visitors’ best chance of the first half then arrived in the 35th minute when Imad Ali had a sight of goal but his effort was kept out by Jaafar via the crossbar.

Salman Issa then found the side netting at the other end before Bahrain went in front four minutes before the break as Mohamed Salmeen’s throw in found Aaish and he unleashed a fierce long-range shot that flew past Al Habsi.

Bahrain were content to hold on to their lead in the second half and as a result took their foot off the gas, which allowed Oman to find a way back into the game.

And having enjoyed the majority of possession, the visitors duly fashioned an equaliser after 72 minutes.

Hashem Saleh instigated a swift counter attack and the striker carried the ball all the way into Bahrain penalty area but with just the keeper to beat, squared the ball to the unmarked Al Ajmi who tapped home into the empty net.

Oman kept up the pressure for the remainder of the encounter and almost claimed a late winner four minutes but Jaafar denied Ali before stopping Ahmed Mubarak’s shot from outside the area immediately afterwards.