The Southeast Asians still stand a chance at reaching the last eight, but they will need to defeat China PR, and hope Tajikistan lose to Saudi Arabia on Friday if they are to stand a chance.

Malaysia led early through Hadi Fayyadh, before goals to Panshanbe Ehsoni and Daler Yodgorov put Tajikistan ahead, with Bojan Hodak's side sharing the spoils when Tajik defender Vahdat Hanonov turned Nabil Hakim Bokhari's second half free kick into his own net.

The match was marred by two late red cards, and a serious leg injury to Tajikistan's Ziyovuddin Fuzaylov which saw the player taken to the hospital.

Abdulmohsen Al Qahtani came off the bench to score an 81st minute winner, taking Saudi Arabia to top spot in Group D with two wins from as many matches following their earlier 2-1 win over Malaysia.

China PR are now eliminated from the competition, after falling to consecutive losses in their opening two matches.

With three points from their opening two games in Group A, the hosts head into Wednesday’s crucial showdown with table-topping United Arab Emirates knowing that nothing less than a win will suffice if they are to realistically stand any chance of progressing to the next phase.

Given that the Emiratis have impressed during their victories over both Qatar and Chinese Taipei, Indonesia’s task is indeed a sizeable one, although Sjafri believes the host nation will lay everything on the line to secure the three points they so desperately crave.

“The struggle is not over yet,” he said.

The 18-year-old has been one of the star performers of the opening week of the tournament, producing three goals in two dazzling displays to help the Emiratis register back to back wins over Qatar and Chinese Taipei.

But, not content with his superb start to the campaign, Saleh is still looking for ways to improve.

Despite starting brightly at the Wibawa Mukti Stadium in Cikarang, Indonesia, who will host the AFC U-19 Championship’s latest edition, fell behind in the 37th minute when livewire forward Al Hamdan was afforded too much time and space before thundering home a shot from fully 25 yards.

Roared on by vocal home support, Indra Sjafri’s charges wasted little time in drawing level however, Saddil Ramdani matching the quality of the game’s opening goal with a spectacular strike of his own in first half stoppage-time.

Having beaten DPR Korea in their opening game, Monday’s comfortable 3-1 win over Thailand in Bogor saw Japan guarantee themselves top spot in Group B and a last eight fixture against Group A’s runners-up.

Japan’s victories have been highly impressive and, with a final group stage game against Iraq to come on Thursday, Kageyama is hoping his young charges can continue an upward trajectory as they look to retain the title they captured in Bahrain two years ago.

Despite missing a first half penalty, the Al Shabab ace shone brightly against Saudi Arabia’s Southeast Asian opponents, scoring a well-taken opener and being an influential figure throughout the victory which saw the Young Green Falcons fly to the top of the Group D standings.

With the dust settling on his Player of the Match display, Al Ammar was however quick to praise his side’s united approach while promising that he is determined to improve even further in order to help Saudi Arabia’s cause both now and in the future.