ABU DHABI, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates advanced to the 2019 Asian Cup quarterfinals after edging Kyrgyzstan 3-2 in extra time on a dramatic Monday evening in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE, who are seeking to become the seventh team to both host the Asian Cup and win the tournament, now face defending champions Australia.
The hosts made the breakthrough after 14 minutes when Khamis Esmaeel scored a close-range header from a corner, but Mirlan Murzaev pulled Kyrgyzstan level in the 26th minute, receiving a superb pass from Akhlidin Israilov and rounding the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
The UAE started the stronger after the break, with Ali Ahmed Mabkhout's header inside the box narrowly missing the target. Moments later it was Kyrgyzstan's turn to threaten, but captain Valeri Kichin's curling shot crashed onto the bar eight minutes into the second half.
Kyrgyzstan, who were making their debut appearance at the Asian Cup, almost took the lead in the 54th minute when Bekzhan Sagynbaev's free header from inside the box bounced just over the bar.
The UAE restored their lead 10 minutes later, when Mabkhout slotted home following a beautifully weighted pass from Amer Abdulrahman.
Kyrgyzstan had a golden chance to equalize when Kairat Zhyrgalbek slid a cross into the six-yard box, only for Tamirlan Kozubaev to shoot wide.
Pushing forward in search of a goal, Kyrgyzstan dramatically equalised from a corner kick in stoppage time when substitute Tursunali Rustamov rose highest to slam his header into the net and send the match into extra-time.
Mabkhout wasted two clear chances when he could have done better five minutes into extra-time, but he made up for it a few minutes later by earning a penalty which was converted by substitute Ahmed Khalil.
Kyrgyzstan came close to yet another equalizer in the second period of extra-time, as Bakhtiyar Duyshobekov's header beat the goalkeeper but bounced off the outside of the post.
Tursunali Rustamov thought he had pulled Kyrgyzstan level again with seconds left, but his close-range shot cannoned off the crossbar.
