Saudi Arabia attempted to take control of the game early, with goalkeeper Mohammed Alamji’s long-range shot striking the post in the third minute.

Despite the West Asians keeping China PR under pressure with repeated attempts on goal, it was China PR who struck first with defender Wang Yu’s through ball finding Wang Jun, who calmly slotted home.

Saudi Arabia drew level with two minutes remaining in the first period as Waleed Al Youbi latched onto Khalid Mudhaya’s long-range strike to send the ball past China PR custodian Guo Wei.

Saudi Arabia enjoyed a short-lived lead in the second period when Qasem Dibaji beat Cai Meiwing to find the back of the net.

However, China PR goalkeeper Guo Wei’s powerful attempt from the goal line restored parity almost immediately.

The action came thick and fast in the dying seconds of the second period, as China PR went ahead through Liu Yisi’s left-footed free-kick. However, Saudi Arabia’s Majed Shamhani responded with an equally deft free-kick, ensuring the period ended in a stalemate.

Following the restart, Mudhaya wasted no time charging forward, but his powerful shot from the centre line was punched away by the resilient Guo Wei.

As both sides sought to break the deadlock in the minutes that followed, it was once again Saudi Arabia’s Shamhani who came to the rescue when the 26-year-old met Alyoubi’s cross from the right flank and headed the ball into the top right corner of the goal.

The misery continued for China PR when, with one minute left on the clock, Saudi Arabia extended their lead as Omar Kark converted a penalty, making it 5-3.