Saudi Arabia provided obstinate opposition to Mexico for much of the first half with tension rising just before the interval that saw Ali Majrashi and Jesus Gallardo shown yellow cards for an altercation.

Mexico continued to keep Saudi Arabia penned in a low block before eventually breaking the deadlock four minutes into the restart.

Alexis Vega found the breakthrough after working himself into space following of a pass from Raul Jimenez, sending a shot that was initially blocked by Saudi custodian Nawaf Alaquidi before pouncing on the rebound.

Mexico's persistent pressure saw them adding to their advantage in the 81st minute when Abdullah Madu inadvertently knocked the ball into his own net when trying to clear Mateo Chavez's cross.

Photos: AFP