Chanathip Songkrasin was the hero as the Southeast Asians secured a remarkable result after their 4-1 defeat to India on Matchday One.

For Bahrain, who drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their opener, the defeat means they will have to beat India in their final match to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.

China PR came from behind to defeat Kyrgyz Republic 2-1 in their opening Group C match on Monday and Zheng Zhi, 38, said they are determined to get the job done against the Philippines on Friday.

"We were all aware of how important it was to win the opening match and as we expected, it was a tough contest. Thankfully, we were able to get the three points," said Zheng Zhi.

Uzbekistan took time to settle into the match against the pacey West Asians before eventually finding the net through Odil Ahmedov’s strike to lead 1-0 at the break.

Hector Cuper’s men soon found themselves defending deep at the start of the second half and were unable to stop Muhsen Al Ghassani from levelling the tie.

Despite the shift in momentum, the White Wolves were able to carve up a goal with five minutes left after substitute Eldor Shomurodov caught the Omani defence napping to snatch a last-gasp winner.

The four-time champions of Asia had trailed 1-0 going into half-time, but a rousing performance in the second half saw Hajime Moriyasu’s charges eventually claim all three points and top spot in Group F.

Despite Japan’s first-half woes, Nagatomo – an ever-present when his nation claimed the AFC Asian Cup title in 2011 – proved to be a calming influence in a side which was clearly transformed after the break.

Bassam Al Rawi and Almoez Ali scored for the Gulf side as they joined Saudi Arabia at the top of Group E after the first round of matches, with the pair’s goals capping an assured display in the second period by the Qataris.

Sanchez’s side were made to work for the points against a Lebanon team that was disciplined and well-drilled and the performance of their opponents came as little surprise to the Spanish coach.

That sets the stage for an exciting battle as the UAE, expected to be backed by a capacity crowd at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, look to bounce back with a win after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bahrain in their Group A opener on Saturday.

For India, another three points would surely mean a place in the Round of 16 after their impressive 4-1 victory over Thailand on Matchday One.

The Al Shabab livewire got Juan Antonio Pizzi's side up and running with a strike that was worthy of the milestone, tricking his way past Ri Il-jin before curling in a magnificent effort which DPR Korea goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk could only stand and watch as it crashed into the back of the net.

The 28th-minute goal was also Bahbri's first at senior international level, and set the tone for a performance which delivered Saudi Arabia's first winning start to the AFC Asian Cup since they last won the title, also in the UAE, in 1996.