Second-half substitute striker Alexander Geynrikh was the hero of the match after he netted the game’s only goal in the 81st minute.

The win means the Uzbeks keep up their perfect record, collecting 12 points from four matches and top the group, having already beat hosts Singapore (7-3) earlier this week, Saudia Arabia (3-0) and Lebanon (1-0) in Beirut.

Singapore started lively, keeping the home team on their toes but failing to find the net in the opening spell.

Uzbekistan soon took the initiative and began testing Singapore’s defence but failed to score before the break.

After the interval the hosts continued their dominance, keeping Singapore under constant pressure until the breakthrough.

Geynrikh netted the winner by sweeping in a rebound from the edge of the six-yard box after series of shots on goal following a corner with nine minutes remaining.

The Saudis can close the gap to three points if they win at Lebanon later Saturday.