The United Arab Emirates' goalkeeper #17 Khalid Eisa rushes to save the ball during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group C football match between Iran and the UAE at Education City Stadium in al-Rayyan, west of Doha, on Jan 23, 2024. (PHOTO / AFP)

DOHA - Australia was held to a 1-1 draw with Uzbekistan but still topped Group B with seven points at the AFC Asian Cup here on Tuesday.

The Socceroos broke the deadlock in injury time of the first half, when Martin Boyle converted a penalty after Odiljon Xamrobekov's handball.

Substitute Azizbek Turgenboev leveled the scores with a header in the 78th minute for Uzbekistan, who remained undefeated and sealed second place in the group with five points.

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Also in Group B, Omar Khrbin came off the bench to score a 76th-minute winner as Syria edged India 1-0 to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in its seven appearances in the tournament.

The qualification of Syria, who finished as one of the four best third-placed team with four points, also ruled out China's chance to reach the last 16.

Elsewhere, Iran won its third game in a row to top Group C after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1, thanks to two goals from Mehdi Taremi.

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Despite the loss, the UAE secured its place as the runners-up, ahead of Palestine due to a superior goal difference.