The UAE held off a determined late fightback by Vietnam to triumph in their Asian Games last-16 encounter and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Ali Ibrahim's men looked to be in cruise control when they went 2-0 up, Saif Al Meqbaali's header after the break adding to Saeed Al Kathiri's stunning strike in the first-half.

However, moments after doubling their lead, the UAE were reduced to 10-men when Masoud Sur Al Yassi inexplicably headbutted a Vietnam player in response to a rough challenge on a teammate.

With a one-man advantage, Vietnam grew in confidence and threw men forward in search of the goal that would get them back into the contest.

When that goal arrived in the 85th minute, the UAE's back-line held firm as Vietnam poured forward in search of the equaliser.

Having committed all their men to attack in injury time, Vietnam were left heavily exposed and in the dying stages, Bandar Al Ahbabi killed off the game when he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home.