Second half substitute Ahmed Khalil fired home in second half stoppage time as UAE qualified from Group C alongside unbeaten Uzbekistan.

Malaysia needed a substantial win to keep their slim hopes alive, but rarely threatened UAE goalkeeper Majed Naser as they ended the campaign with a fourth consecutive defeat.

UAE round off their campaign in Uzbekistan on March 3 with a win by two or more goals securing top spot in the three team Group C.

Ismaeil Matar was twice denied by visiting goalkeeper Mohd Farizal in the first half as UAE made an encouraging start.

Farizal denied Hamdan Al Kamali after the break before Mahmoud Khamis and Fares Juma failed to direct late efforts on goal for the home side.

Malaysia could have snatched a first win of the campaign in the last minute but captain Mohamad Aidil fired his free-kick straight at Naser.

And with time running out Abdulsalam Jumaa picked out Khalil and the former AFC Young Player of the Year sent his strike curling past Farizal from the edge of the area.