The cagey start to the game was shattered in the 11th minute through two chaotic moments that ended with Saudi Arabia easing their way into a lead.

A moment of hesitation from Saudi Arabia custodian Abdulrahman Al Otaibi nearly gifted a goal to Yao Junyu but straight from the clearance, it was China PR goalkeeper Yihesan Yilamu’s slip that enabled Abdulhadi Matari the opportunity to steer home from an acute angle.

The game then turned lively with Abdulrahman Sufyani testing Yihesan from outside the box before Buniyaming Abudoushalamu flicked a header wide from Aibibula Neuraji’s free-kick.

Saudi Arabia had Saeed Al Dossari to thank after the midfielder produced a last-ditch block to deny Neuraji with the hosts then breaking quickly in the second minute of first half added time through Sabri Dahal who found Osama Al Daghmah in the box for a simple finish.

Chasing the game, China PR pushed forward through Aibibula and Buniyaming on the flanks after the break but were thwarted by a disciplined Saudi Arabia defence.

In fact it was Yihesan who was the busier of the two goalkeepers, having to be on alert to stop attempts from Dahal, Sufyani and Matari as Saudi Arabia chased their third goal.

China PR managed to pull a goal back in the eighth minute of added time through Wei Xiangxin but it was too late to change the outcome as Saudi Arabia eased to a comfortable win.