Leaders struggled on TUE 15 NOV 2016 as the AFC second group phase reached its halfway point.

• Japan 02-01 Saudi Arabia: All the action in Saitama came late in the halves. Japan first took the lead on a penalty by Hiroshi KIYOTAKE in the 45th minute. Genki HARAGUCHI then doubled their advantage in the 80th, but the Saudis pulled one back ten minutes later through Omar HAWSAWI. Osama HAWSAWI was then dismissed for a second yellow. Both teams are now level on ten points, though Saudi Arabia still lead Group B on goal difference.
• Syria 00-00 Iran: Syria kept their hopes alive with a rainy draw against Group A leaders Iran.
• Thailand 02-02 Australia: A brace by Teerasil DANGDA was bookended by goals from the spot by Socceroo captain Mile JEDINAK. Thailand earn their first point in Group B, whilst Australia are overtaken by Japan for second place.