Most of the favourites were successful as the AFC second group phase opened on THU 01 SEP 2016.

• Japan 01-02 United Arab Emirates: Keisuke HONDA’s headed goal gave the home side an early lead, but two goals by Ahmed KHALIL turned the tide. The UAE are just behind Australia on goal difference in Group B.
• Korea Rep 03-02 China PR: The Taeguk Warriors claimed a 3-0 lead by the 66th minute, only to allow the visitors back in. YU Hai and HAO Junmin each scored to ratchet up the tension, but the Chinese squad could not find the equaliser. Korea Rep are the favourites in Group A, along with Iran, who defeated Qatar.
• Uzbekistan 01-00 Syria: Playing on Uzbekistan’s independence day, the White Wolves were eager to make a positive start to the round. The match, though, remained goalless until the 74th minute, when Alexandr GEYNRIKH put away a rebound from teammate Odil AKHMEDOV’s shot. The Uzbeks join Iran and Korea Rep atop Group A.