Asano came off the bench to head home Japan’s third after Takumi Minamino had scored twice in two minutes earlier in the second half as Hajime Moriyasu’s side eventually saw off a stubborn Tajikistan.

Two goals in two minutes from the Red Bull Salzburg star saw off a determined Tajikistan before Takuma Asano completed the scoring eight minutes from time as Hajime Moriyasu’s side moved into pole position on their own in Group F with a maximum nine points.

The win followed four days on from a 7-0 win over Myanmar that put Kyrgyz Republic’s campaign back on track for the for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 after their opening loss to Central Asian neighbours Tajikistan last month and moves them on to six points from their opening three games in Group F.

Helio Sousa's side stunned Asia's top ranked team Islamic Republic of Iran 1-0 in a gripping Group C tie while Palestine also walked tall after holding three-time AFC Asian Cup winners Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw in Group D.

The historic clash between DPR Korea and Korea Republic, meanwhile, also ended 0-0 in Pyongyang.

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The first chance of a cagey opening period came the visitors’ way as Ehsan Hajsafi charged into the Bahraini penalty box, getting on the end of a Mehdi Taremi lobbed pass and firing low from a narrow angle, but the Iran skipper watched his shot crawl wide off the upright.

Team Melli dominated possession, but it was the home side that had clear-cut chances. Ahmed Bughammar came close at the half-hour mark. The centre-back was first to meet Sayed Dhiya’s in-swinging corner, but he could not direct his header towards the target.

Almoez Ali sealed the win with a brilliant 72nd-minute strike, restoring Qatari’s lead after a memorable Al-Mandhar Al Alawi goal cancelled out Akram Afif’s early opener in a see-sawing and entertaining encounter.

Qatar, playing for a place in the 2023 Asian Cup with FIFA World Cup hosting rights secured, extended their Group E tally to 10 points after four matches, while Oman suffered their first defeat to remain four points behind with a game in hand.

The War Elephants went into the game chasing a first home win to take them above leaders UAE at the summit of the group, while a draw would have been enough for the Whites to retain their place two points clear of their opponents.