Maksim Shatskikh’s deflected free-kick gave the Uzbeks the lead just before the break but Kuwait hit back soon after the restart through a Bader Al Mutawa penalty.

However, a fine long-range strike from Server Djeparov in the 65th minute secured the win to move Uzbekistan onto six points in Group A and on the cusp of a place in the last eight.

The Central Asians have steadily improved on the international stage in recent years and have progressed to the knock-out stage of the AFC Asian Cup at the last two successive editions.

And Abramov has seen enough from his side in Doha to feel they are deserved of being ranked amongst the likes of Japan and Korea Republic as serious title contenders.

“This is a big tournament, who wins this tournament is the best team. Every team at this tournament is very strong and I hope the quality of the football does not get less,” he said.

“I think we can cause some surprises and I hope Uzbekistan will be champion in this tournament, but there are many other good teams here so it will be difficult, but I hope it will be Uzbekistan.”

While Uzbekistan dominated from start to finish in their 2-0 opening victory over hosts Qatar last Friday, they had to work hard for their victory against an industrious Kuwait side.

“They were not a weak team,” conceded Abramov.

“We will analyse this game and see if we made mistakes then do our best to solve them and ensure we play even better."

Abramov no doubt was watching closely the game between Qatar and China later on Wednesday, where a win or draw for the latter would have cemented Uzbekistan’s passage to the quarter-finals.

As it was, Qatar didn’t do the Uzbeks any favours by defeating the Chinese 2-0 at Khalifa Stadium to ensure qualification from the group remains open.

That result will also no doubt have an impact on Abramov’s plans for the final group game against China, and he added: “We must look at the next game and think because some players have yellow cards so we must check our situation.

“I have a plan to play China. But first I need to check the situation.”