Tajikistan reach AFC U-19 Championship quarters at Australia's expense

With leaders Uzbekistan already qualified from Group D, the result also meant that Australia were eliminated on goal difference at Bahrain National Stadium.

Things got off to a rocky start for Tajikistan after Zoir Jurabaev was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box with only five minutes on the clock.

The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot but although Anthony Kalik’s effort was hit low and hard to the left, Tajikistan goalkeeper Behruz Khayriev was equal to it as he dived to make the save.

Tajikistan had a penalty shout of their own turned down in the 24th minute after Muhammadjoni Hasan’s cross appeared to strike Connor O’Toole’s shoulder from close range but the referee was unmoved.

A Jake Brimmer free kick from 35 yards forced Khayriev to tip the ball over the bar on 45 minutes.

Up the other end, Thomas Deng’s half-clearance from an Ehsoni Panshanbe set piece into the box in first-half injury time allowed Dorobjon Ergashov to almost take advantage with a bicycle kick that went the wrong side of the far post.

The Young Socceroos knew that only a win would suffice but were finding an opening goal elusive as they began the second half.