Malaysia seized control from the get go but despite forcing several corner kicks, were not able to make their dominance count with Lebanon custodian Anthony Maasry largely untroubled as both sides went into the break on level terms.

Having soaked up a lot of pressure in the first half, Lebanon started to show more attacking intent in the second half and eventually got the reward their performance deserved.

Midfielder Ali El Fadl scored the only goal with six minutes of regulation time left and Lebanon will look to secure their second win when they face Thailand on Saturday while Malaysia will hope to revive their campaign against Mongolia.

Thailand went ahead barely two minutes into the game from an Iklas Sanron solo effort, with the midfielder picking up the ball on the left then weaving his way into the box before firing into the far corner.

Thailand continued to dominate with Siraphop Wandee next to go close, his curling shot forcing Mongolia goalkeeper Chinmargad Bat-Erdene to tip the ball to safety.

The Southeast Asian side's relentlessness paid off in the 18th minute when Iklas spotted Bat-Erdene racing out of his box and proceeded to prod the ball towards an empty goalmouth with Seksan Ratree arriving to slot home unchallenged.

Captain Seksan went one better in the 39th minute, capitalising on an under-hit Mongolia clearance to curl a spectacular shot from range that gave Bat-Erdene no chance.

There was to be no change in the second half with Thailand adding to their advantage in the 57th minute with Seksan completing his hat-trick, slotting home from close range after his initial header was saved by Bat-Erdene.

Further goals from Chawanwit Sealao (68th) and Yotsakon Burapha (82nd) saw Thailand wrap up the convincing start to their campaign.