Iran booked their place in the Asian Cup last 16 after a narrow win over Hong Kong on Friday. Mehdi Ghayedi scored the winner in the 24th minute as Team Melli advanced with six points to top Group C. Hong Kong, hampered by defensive mistakes throughout the game, can still progress to the quarter-finals if they defeat Palestine in their final group match on January 23 and have other results.

The match at the Khalifa International Stadium had looked like a mismatch on paper, with Iran ranked 21st in the world to Hong Kong’s 150th. But the lower-ranked side ruffled their more illustrious opponents and created several goal-scoring opportunities. Brazil-born forward Everton Camargo blazed over from close range, while Philip Chan Siu-kwan also missed the target after some shaky Iranian defending.

But Hong Kong could not capitalize on their chances, and the Iranians grew stronger as the match continued. Yapp Hung-fai was awarded acclaim for his save from a Mehdi Taremi header late in the opening half and was on hand again to deny Karim Ansarifard’s dipping free kick in the 72nd minute. With Hong Kong’s attacking options running low, Jorn Andersen introduced attackers Stefan Pereira and Michael Udebuluzor and midfielder Wong Wai, withdrawing Sun, Philip, and Matt Orr.

Andersen’s changes had a limited effect as Iran continued to hound their opponents for a goal. On 85 minutes, defender Amferny Arias needlessly pushed down Younes Delfi in the box, and referee Hamada Nampiandraza awarded Iran a penalty. Iran captain Masoud Shariati could not convert the spot kick, but he did find the bottom corner with his second effort.

The result moved Iran to six points at the group’s top, where they will be guaranteed a top-two finish. They sit two above the United Arab Emirates, held to a 2-2 draw by Palestine in their other match on the night.

The other group leaders, Australia and Iraq, have also booked their place in the next round of the competition. The winners of Group D will meet on Wednesday, and the second-placed team from the same group will face Indonesia and Japan in a replay of their first meeting on Tuesday. The runners-up from the four groups will then play each other in a two-legged tie to determine the final qualifiers.