En route to the Finals, Afghanistan beat the likes of Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon and Bhutan, but despite a 2-1 loss to Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayed Hadi Kazemi’s charges qualified as one of the five best second-placed teams, to make their first appearance in the Championship.

“I’m very happy to represent Afghanistan as a captain to play in the AFC U-16 Championship for the first time in my country’s history,” expressed the skipper.

“I’m very happy to be here to gain experience against the top teams in Asia.”

With only one point to their name after two matches, Vietnam will need to defeat Islamic Republic of Iran by three clear goals on Thursday and hope India defeat Indonesia for the young Golden Dragons to seal knockout stage berth from Group C.

“I know that we have a slim chance, but we are not going to give up hope,” Van Khang told the-AFC.com.

“Even if we have one percent chance, we are still going to fight for it.

“The whole team will work very hard together. We will play compact, we will play according to the tactical plans prepared by the coach, and if we do that, we will definitely get the three points," added the firward.

Korea Republic had opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Australia while Afghanistan needed three points - having lost 2-1 to Iraq on Saturday - to keep their hopes alive.

Korea Republic quickly seized control and easily dealt with Afghanistan’s sporadic attacks.

However, Afghanistan had their first sight at goal in the 19th minute through Ali Zahidi but his shot lacked venom and it was easily collected by Korea Republic custodian Shin Song-hoon.

Australia needed the three points following their 3-0 loss to Korea Republic in their opening tie.

Iraq, who opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Afghanistan, will now face Korea Republic on the final matchday of Group D to decide their fate.

The National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will now host the India-Indonesia tie while IR Iran and Vietnam will play at the UM Arena.

Both matches will kick off at 2045 hours (local time).

The Quarter-final match between the Group C winners and Group D runners-up on October 1, has also been moved to the National Stadium.

The change in venues took into consideration the security and access control concerns raised by both the Football Associations of Malaysia and Indonesia.

The 2008 champions have yet to score after their 2-0 loss in the opener against Indonesia and a 0-0 stalemate with India on Monday.

Alireza Bavieh came close to scoring IR Iran’s first goal of the tournament against India on Monday but was denied by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar, who was quick to parry his penalty in the 74th minute.

India have experienced different highs in the competition, with a late goal in their first match against Vietnam giving them three points and a late penalty save by goalkeeper Niraj Kumar salvaging a point against IR Iran on Monday as the South Asians inched closer to a first quarter-final berth since 2002.

India not only soaked up the pressure against the Central Asians in the second half but almost stole the game at the end with Lalchhanhime Sailo coming close in stoppage time.