Uzbekistan register their second victory in Asian Qualifiers

Uzbekistan’s success comes after last week’s comfortable 5-0 victory over Yemen 5-0 and leaves the table-topping White Wolves with six points to their name after three Group D matches.

Singapore, meanwhile, have four points from as many games, with the defeat representing their second successive reversal following a 3-0 loss away at Saudi Arabia on Matchday Three.

The deadlock was to be broken in the 15th minute though, Shanghai SIPG star Ahmedov unleashing a delightful free-kick which beat Izwan’s dive.

Uzbekistan’s profligacy in the final third was to be punished on the stroke of half-time when – and somewhat against the run of play – Ikhsan Fandi rose highest to head home Shahdan Sulaiman’s cross and bring Singapore level.

Shomurodov then spurned a glorious opportunity to add a third for the visitors but, having rounded Izwan, the FC Rostov forward rolled the ball past the post with the goal gaping.

Uzbekistan continued to press, and the seemingly omnipresent Shomurodov smashed a 64th minute effort into the side netting before hitting the bar with a fierce drive moments later.

Shomurodov was to make amends in the final moments of a hard-fought encounter as he converted Ikromjon Alibaev’s pass to bag his second and Uzbekistan’s third.