Late Drama: Tajikistan's Last-Gasp Goals Propel Them to Asian Cup Knockouts

In a thrilling turn of events, Tajikistan secured a spot in the last 16 of the Asian Cup by staging a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over 10-man Lebanon in Group A. Despite having two goals overturned by VAR and initially trailing 1-0, Tajikistan persevered with Parvizdzhon Umarbayev scoring from a free kick in the 80th minute. The historic win was sealed in added time by Nuriddin Khamrokulov who looped the ball over the goalkeeper.

Tajikistan finished second in the group with four points, trailing table-toppers Qatar. Lebanon took an early lead in the second half but their momentum was hindered as Kassem El Zein received a red card after initially getting a yellow for a stamp. In another match, despite resting key players, Qatar secured a 1-0 victory over China, with captain Hassan Al-Haydos scoring a fantastic volley from a corner in the 66th minute. Qatar had already won the group and secured a spot in the last 16.