The 31-year-old midfielder sparked a brilliant comeback for Malaysia, who trailed to Chanathip Songkrasin’s early strike, before Gan scored one and assisted the winning goal for Mohamadou Sumareh in the second half.

China PR and Islamic Republic of Iran suffered defeats, as did the United Arab Emirates while Korea Republic were held to a goalless draw by a battling Lebanon in Beirut.

Australia and Japan stayed perfect as they both recorded their fourth consecutive wins while Saudi Arabia showed great determination, twice coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan.

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Chanathip Songkrasin opened the scoring for Thailand early in the match before Malaysia drew level through Brendan Gan before Sumareh earned his side three vital points at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Thailand’s 2-1 defeat to Malaysia in the other Matchday Five fixture means Vietnam overtake the War Elephants into top spot with 10 points, while the UAE drop to third place with six points from two wins and two defeats.

Substitute Ali Abbas’ added-time strike secured the victory for Iraq who took the lead through Mohanad Ali after just 11 minutes before Iran drew level in the 25th minute through Ahmed Nourollahi.

Lippi announced his intention to stand down from the role during the post-match press conference after Zhang Linpeng’s 76th minute own goal handed Syria a fourth win in a row to leave China PR’s hopes of advancing to the next round in jeopardy.

The South Asians looked to be heading for their second defeat in four Group E matches as the match entered into added time, only for Seiminlen Doungel to draw them level almost at the end.

Afghanistan had taken the lead through Zelfagar Nazary in first half stoppage time.