Jorge Valdivia had put the visitors into a third-minute lead following a free kick but Ahmedov then struck in the ninth and 12th minutes to turn the game on its head.

Ilhomjon Suyunov managed to put the ball into his own net when trying to cut out Emerson’s cross in the 19th minute but the unstoppable Ahmedov again struck just before the half-hour mark when he nodded home from close range.

Al Ain battled for an equaliser and were denied one thanks to Eldor Tadjibaev’s save from Emerson’s penalty with 14 minutes remaining.

The UAE side’s misery was complete when Brazil-born Qatar international forward Emerson was sent off after he had used his hand to palm the ball into the net late on.

And Radulovic sang the praises of Ahmedov after he put in a fine performance despite having just returned from injury.

“I’m happy with my players,” he said. “They are best in Uzbekistan.

“I’m proud of Odil Akhmedov who was only 50 per cent ready but he had an excellent match. “

Pakhtakor travel to Saudi Arabia for their final group match at the end of the month to face Al Shabab and Radulovic is confident his side will secure their place in the last 16.

“Winning this match means we have increased our chances of qualifying,” added the Montenegrin.

“Now we need at least draw in the away match against Al Shabab.”

Al Ain coach Toninho Cerezo has little doubt Pakhtakor will progress to the next stage of the tournament following the victory.

Despite boasting skilful foreign players such as Emerson and Jorge Valdivia in their ranks, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser.

“Pakhtakor will be second in the group thanks to this win,” said Cerezo.

“If you ask me what the difference between local and foreign players is... I’ll tell you that there is no difference for me.

“The best players are those on the field wherever they are from.”