Ten-man Jordan scored a remarkable 2-0 victory against Kuwait, with both goals in injury time, meanwhile South Korea overcame UAE and Uzbekistan won their group with a single goal victory against Saudi Arabia.
The Jordanians attacked from the start of their game, and in contrast to their opening match against South Korea, had plenty of chances. The tie appeared to be heading towards a draw however, and when Faisal Ibrahim was dismissed just before the hour manager Mahmoud Gohary had settled for stalemate.
“I was surprised by the two goals right at the end,” said Gohary. “I would have been happy with a draw, even before the match. I think those goals caught everyone by surprise.”
The Kuwaitis were certainly stunned by the events at the end of the game, Khaled Sa’ed prodding in a rebound and Anas Al Zboun scoring with the last kick of the game.
South Korea were impressive in beating UAE, particularly as they played over half an hour a man short, after Park Jae-hong was sent off. Goals at the end of each half by Lee Dong-gook and Ahn Jung-hwan completed the victory.
Uzbekistan booked their quarter-final place with a 1-0 win over a disappointing Saudi Arabia. Expected to struggle in their group, a fabulous run and shot by Alexander Geynrikh secured two wins in two games for the Uzbeks. The Saudis and Iraq will now have to fight it out with Turkmenistan for second place.
