After doubles against Bangladesh and India, Khirbin continued his prolific run at the Bangabandhu National Stadium with a first-half brace in the top-of-the-table decider against the Uzbeks, breaking the deadlock in the 29th minute before extending Syria’s advantage from the penalty spot two minutes into additional time at the end of the opening period.

Abbosbek Makhstaliev pulled one back a minute shy of the hour mark but the Uzbeks were unable to add to their tally as the Syrians sealed their place in next year’s continental tournament.

Ten group winners and five best second-placed teams from all groups will join hosts Qatar at the AFC U-23 Championship 2016, with January’s 16-team competition also serving as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games in Rio.

The final group winner and the complete line up of best second-place finishers will only be confirmed after the conclusion of Group B of the qualifiers, which features Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan as well as hosts Pakistan.

Group B was scheduled to take place in Lahore at Lahore’s Punjab Stadium from March 23 to 31 has been postponed due to security concerns following the recent troubles in the Youhanabad area of the city.

A decision on an alternative venue and schedule for Group B will be announced in due course.