With Uzbekistan defeating Syria 2-1 and Oman being held 1-1 by the same opponents, the Uzbeks went into Thursday's final fixture in the three-team playoff in the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2012 London Games needing just a draw to advance to the showdown with Senegal.

And they started the match with purpose as an Uzbekistan side that made six changes to the starting 11 from the team that began against the Syrians 48 hours ago attacked from the onset of the match at the My Dinh Stadium.

But a 16th minute Hussain Al Hadhri penalty - his second of the playoffs - and another in first-half stoppage-time from Raed Ibrahim Saleh, gave an impressive Oman side a two-goal cushion which they held for the remainder of the match despite playing the last 16 minutes with ten men after Eid Al Farsi was red carded for a dangerous challenge on Uzbek defender Sherzod Azamov.

"I am very proud of my players and we deserved this qualification [to the final playoff]," Le Guen said in a brief statement to the media before having to head immediately to the airport for the trip back to Oman.

"The first game was very good and this game was more difficult but our state of mind was perfect.

"Uzbekistan are a good team and it was a great performance from us to win 2-0."

Oman will now meet Senegal in the AFC/CAF Playoff with the winner of the April 23 clash at the City of Coventry Stadium booking their place at the 2012 Olympic Games.