With one round of matches still to play, the victory lifts Qatar to top spot in Group A on six points, three ahead of both host nation China PR and Uzbekistan, while Oman are fourth and still searching for their first points of the tournament. Uzbekistan beat China 1-0 in the day's earlier match.

In a first half of few genuine chances, Qatar threatened first when Afif curled an early shot wide, before Oman midfielder Jameel Al Yahmadi released Muhsen Al Ghassani who could only screw his 22nd minute shot wide of Ibrahim Al Mukhaini’s right hand post when through on goal.

Al Mukhaini was then forced into action some 10 minutes later, the custodian reacting well to tip a firm Bassam Al Rawi header over the bar following Ahmad Moein’s pinpoint free-kick.

Qatar, who were fourth at the tournament’s 2016 edition, have put themselves on the verge of securing a spot in the quarter-finals thanks to solid 1-0 wins over Uzbekistan and then China, results that see them currently occupying first place ahead of the group’s final round of matches.

With Monday’s crunch clash against host nation China looming large on the horizon, Sanchez feels his side could gain a significant boost if things go their way at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center.

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Game 1: China (CHN) v Qatar (QAT): Changzhou Olympic Sports Center
Game 2: Uzbekistan (UZB) v Oman (OMA), Jianyin Sports Center

Qatar are top of Group A with six points, followed by Uzbekistan on three points and China who also have three points but are below their Central Asian rivals because of their head to head record. Oman are in fourth place and have yet to win a point.

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CHN win + OMA win results in = CHN 6pts^, QAT 6pts^, OMA 3pts^, UZB 3pts^
CHN win + Game 2 draw results in = CHN 6pts^, QAT 6pts^, UZB 4pts, OMA 1pt
CHN win + UZB win results in = CHN 6pts^^, QAT 6pts^^, UZB 6pts^^, OMA 0pts

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Game 1 draw + OMA win results in = QAT 7pts, CHN 4pts, OMA 3pts^, UZB 3pts^
Both games drawn results in = QAT 7pts, UZB 4pts^, CHN 4pts^, OMA 1pt
Game 1 draw + UZB win results in = QAT 7pts, UZB 6pts, CHN 4pts, OMA 0pts

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QAT win + OMA win results in = QAT 9pts, CHN 3pts^^, OMA 3pts^^, UZB 3pts^^
QAT win + Game 2 draw results in = QAT 9pts, UZB 4pts, CHN 3pts, OMA 1pt
QAT win + UZB win results in = QAT 9pts, UZB 6pts, CHN 3pts, OMA 0pts

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^ Ranking determined on number of points obtained from group match among the teams (Article 9.3.2.1)

^^ Ranking determined on goal difference from the group matches among the teams (Article 9.3.2.2 and 9.3.2.3). If still equal, yellow and red cards will be calculated (Article 9.3.2.8) or the drawing of lots will take place (Article 9.3.2.9) in the order given. If the drawing of lots is required, it will be at the AFC Headquarters hotel on the same night. The timing will be announced by the AFC, taking into account sufficient time for concerned teams to send representatives.

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The hard-fought victory, coupled with Qatar’s earlier defeat of Uzbekistan by a similar scoreline, leaves the West Asians flying high at the summit and within touching distance of a place in the quarter-finals.

However, despite his side’s fine run of form, and with a final group stage game still to come against China on Monday, Al Rawi insists that nothing has been achieved just yet.

“We played well versus Oman, we gave our best and we got the three points,” said the talented Al Duhail defender who was a member of the Qatar squad at the 2016 edition of the AFC U23 Championship.

“At this stage (of the tournament), we always play to win and to get those all-important three points.

“We have six points, but that doesn't mean we have qualified. We need to take three points against China.”