UAE held by Kyrgyzstan in World Cup qualifier

Kyrgyzstan’s never-say-die attitude saw them grab a last-gasp goal to hold the UAE to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group A clash on Tuesday.

The late salvo at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek saw Kyrgyzstan end their campaign on eight points while Cosmin Olaroiu continues to wait for his first win as UAE head coach with his side finishing on 15 points.

The result qualifies the UAE for the AFC play-offs in October that lead to the World Cup.

With the UAE’s progress to the playoffs and Kyrgyzstan's elimination already decided going into the match, the game saw a cagey start before the visitors stole into the lead at the half hour mark.

The UAE's goal was scored by Harib Abdullah, while Kai Merk scored for Kyrgyzstan in the 90+5 minute.

In another match within the same group, Uzbekistan closed their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Qatar.

Timur Kapadze’s men, who have already booked their spot in their first FIFA World Cup, finished with 21 points from 10 matches.

Qatar finished fourth in Group A with 13 points, also qualifying for the AFC play-offs.