The big win put the Uzbeks at top of the group having superior goal difference to Tajikistan who defeated Kyrgyzstan 8-4 earlier on Tuesday.

The home side began the match in ideal fashion after Artur Yunusov put them ahead as early as in the first minute of the match.

Rakhmatov grabbed a brace in the 14th minute and completed his hattrick in the 19th minute after Dilshod Irsaliev fired the Uzbeks’ fourth in the 18th minute.

Jomoliddin Sharipov netted late brace while Rakhmatov added two more goals to his personal tally in the second half. Ahmed Kervenov scored the consolation goal for Turkmenistan in the 25th minute.

After conceding 10 goals in their first match, Turkmenistan will try to bring their campaign back on track when they face Kyrgyzstan who also suffered defeat in their opening match. Table toppers Uzbekistan take on Tajikistan in another Wednesday’s match.