Iran beat 2-0 and Tajikistan scored a 4-0 victory over Nepal as both teams finished with identical records of three wins, one draw and a goal difference of 9-0.
They were unable to be separated by head-to-head record because of their 0-0 draw on October 7. But Iran finished top because of receiving fewer yellow cards – six to Tajikistan’s seven.
Bahrain were third on six points ahead of Lebanon (three points) and pointless Nepal.
A penalty from Ali Fathian just before half-time and a 58th-minute strike from Amir Abbas Aeinehchi was enough to give Iran victory.
Tajikistan were 1-0 up against Nepal at half-time through Tolibjon Sultonov’s eighth-minute effort. Ibrohimi Muhtojzoda (64th minute), Komron Rajabalizoda (74th) and Dilshod Rasulov (90th) completed the scoring for the Tajiks.
The top two teams and the best third-placed side from groups A-G, along with the Group H winners qualify for next year’s finals.