UAE advanced to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup in dramatic fashion, beating Kyrgyzstan 3-2 after extra time.

UAE held a 2-1 lead as the game passed the regulation 90 minute mark, but Tursunaly Rustamov headed in a stunning equaliser to extend the drama.

Luck was on the side of the hosts though as UAE were awarded a penalty on 103 minutes and Ahmed Khalil restored their advantage.

Kyrgyzstan then might have sent the game to a penalty shoot-out, but Rustamov struck the crossbar with eight minutes left.

UAE held on and will next face Australia for a place in the semi-finals.

Coach Alberto Zaccheroni said: “We have seen a very difficult game tonight.

“In extra time our players, who I am so grateful to, found a great performance with high spirit and positivity.”