Tajikistan Beat Lebanon to Qualify for AFC Asian Cup Last 16

In their Asian Cup debut, Tajikistan secured a spot in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Lebanon in Group A.

Despite having two goals disallowed by VAR and falling 1-0 behind, Tajikistan persevered. Captain Parvizdzhon Umarbayev scored in the 80th minute, finding the top corner from a free kick.

The historic win was sealed in added time by Nuriddin Khamrokulov, whose shot looped over the goalkeeper. Tajikistan finished second in the group with four points, behind leaders Qatar.

Lebanon took an early lead in the second half with Bassel Jradi's goal, but their hopes dwindled when Kassem El Zein was sent off in the 56th minute.

Qatar, having already secured a last-16 spot, rested key players but secured a 1-0 win over China, with captain Hassan Al-Haydos scoring the winner from a corner in the 66th minute.