A quick summary of action around the AFC first group phase on THU 24 MAR 2016.

• China PR 04-00 Maldives: JIANG Ning’s hat trick kept Chinese hopes alive in Group C...
• Qatar 02-00 Hong Kong: ...whilst Hong Kong’s dream ended at the hands of group winners Qatar. China PR host Qatar on Tuesday; anything less than three points will almost surely end their shot at one of the top four runner up positions.
• Jordan 08-00 Bangladesh: Three goals from Hamza AL DARADREH, all in the first half, led Jordan to a comfortable victory. They remain two points back of Group B leaders Australia, whom they face in Sydney on Tuesday.
• Uzbekistan 01-00 Philippines: Azkal defender OJ PORTERIA was sent off after only ten minutes, but his remaining teammates turned in an impressive performance. The Uzbeks were held to a lone goal by Anzur ISLAIMOV as they reclaimed top spot in Group H from idle Korea DPR. A win at home over Bahrain on Tuesday will assure Uzbekistan’s place in the second group phase.
• Iraq 02-02 Thailand: Adisak KRAISORN found net in the 86th minute to give the War Elephants a 2-1 lead, only to see teammate Korawit NAMWISET concede an own goal deep into stoppage time. Still, the draw was sufficient to secure top spot in Group F for Thailand.
• Saudi Arabia 02-00 Malaysia: The Saudis won through on second half goals by Mohammed AL SAHLAWI and Taiseer AL JASSAM. They remain atop Group A, three points clear of the United Arab Emirates, whom they visit on Tuesday.
• Advanced this matchday: Thailand
• Eliminated this matchday: Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Palestine, Turkmenistan