The Azkals missed out on a place at the 2015 Finals when they lost to Palestine in the final of the AFC Challenge Cup and their dreams of making a debut appearance at the continental championship were in danger when Akhtam Nazarov scored from the penalty spot to give Tajikistan the lead on Tuesday.

But Kevin Ingreso’s perfectly placed header pulled the Philippines - who only needed a draw to secure a top two finish in Group F – level before Younghusband’s last minute spot-kick sealed the Southeast Asian nation’s passage to their first-ever Finals as group winners.

A frenetic final day of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 saw DPR Korea, the Philippines and Yemen taking the last three available spots on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic ended their campaign with a 2-1 win over India in Group A but they had sealed their place in the Finals after defeating Myanmar 5-1 last Thursday.

Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the three teams who have taken their place among the Continent’s best for next January’s extravaganza in the United Arab Emirates.

Needing a point to advance to the continental championship, the Philippines failed to convert a number of first-half chances before Akhtam Nazarov’s penalty opened the scoring for the visitors shortly after the hour.

Ingreso levelled with just over 15 minutes to play and Phil Younghusband netted the winner from the spot in the last minute as a place at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 was guaranteed.

The result also confirmed the Central Asians’ exit as their inferior head-to-head record with Yemen meant the West Asians have booked a place in the United Arab Emirates ahead of their game with Nepal later on Tuesday.

After a nervy start, the hosts soon settled into the match and Carli de Murga headed captain Younghusband’s corner from the left narrowly wide in the 11th minute, before Iain Ramsay’s dipping volley six minutes later forced a flying save from Tajikistan goalkeeper Abduaziz Mahkamov.

The Philippines created another opportunity on 25 minutes as Manny Ott slipped the ball wide to Ramsay who laid off to Daisuke Sato but his shot was superbly deflected wide by Davronjon Ergashev.

Simone Rota missed the best chance of the half seven minutes before the interval when the defender’s effort from 10 yards clipped the top of the bar on the way over after the visitors had failed to clear Ramsay’s corner from the right.

After more than three years of captivating action, the final day of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Final Round Qualifiers culminated in an epic night of football with Philippines sealing their first-ever berth for the ultimate stage as well as Yemen, who have advanced for the first time since the country’s unification.

Philippines clinched their historic qualification after overcoming Tajikistan 2-1 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Tuesday to take pole position in Group F. The result also confirmed Yemen’s passage in the UAE with Abraham Mebratu's men benefiting from a superior head-to-head record over Tajikistan.

The West Asians, who participated as South Yemen in the 1976 edition, maintained their unbeaten record in Group F after defeating Nepal 2-1 at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Earlier in the day, DPR Korea secured their third consecutive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup after a convincing 2-0 home victory over Hong Kong to finish as runners-up in Group B behind Lebanon.