Iran, the UAE, and the Kyrgyz Republic all came into Matchday Three still in contention, but Iran’s win and Kyrgyz Republic’s 0-0 draw with Nepal meant only the group hosts booked their ticket to the Finals.

UAE’s defeat to the Kyrgyz Republic 48 hours earlier meant the Persians required only a point to secure top spot in the group, but they went one better with Aria Barzegar’s and Mahdi Hashemnezhad scoring to extend their perfect winning record.

While Iran celebrated a completed qualifying mission, UAE’s defeat confirmed their elimination, with Ferdo Milin’s side finishing a disappointing third in the group.

With their 1-0 lead intact, Iran continued to prosper after the interval, although it didn’t immediately translate into goals, with Hossein Nokhodkar spurning a terrific opportunity when he picked out Al Menhali despite a number of teammates offering support.

Iran returns to the AFC U19 Championship having missed out on the 2018 edition, while the UAE will be absent from the finals for the first time since 2004.

The 11 group winners and four best runners-up will join Uzbekistan in the 2020 Finals.

Tajikistan has already qualified as Group C winners and should Uzbekistan finish either top of Group F of the Qualifiers or are among the best four second-placed teams, the fifth-best runners-up will qualify.

Group A of the Qualifiers in AFC U19 Championship 2020 – featuring Iraq, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait, and Pakistan – will be played on November 22-30 in Muscat, Oman.

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