Uzbekistan top their group with 15 points from five matches, three points ahead of second-placed Saudi Arabia who clinched a 2-0 win at Singapore earlier on Saturday.

The hosts dominated the first half but, faced with an astute Lebanese defence, failed to make the most of their chances. In the 30th minute Uzbekistan were awarded a penalty when Lebanese ’keeper Hassan Moghnieh fouled Alexander Geynrikh in the box. However Djeparov failed to find the net, hitting the woodwork with his spot kick.

Six minutes after the interval Uzbekistan took the lead through Akhmedov, whose powerful 28-metre drive found its target. In the 63rd minute Akhmedov scored his second goal after sending in a rebound from a corner, while Djeparov made up for his earlier miss by adding his goal with a close-range shot in injury time.