A balanced first half display saw both custodians - Syria’s Maksim Sarraf and Nicholas Guimares of the Philippines - showing their capabilities to ensure that the tie remained an open contest heading into the second half.

Captain Mahmoud Alaswad, however, found the breakthrough a minute after the hour mark to give Syria the lead.

Philippines, were undeterred and fought back to draw level in the 78th minute through Sandro Reyes’ effort.

Alaswad’s striking partner Mohammad Almustafa, however, had the final say, scoring the winner two minutes later to give his side the perfect start.

Tajikistan broke through the Nepalese defence in the 39th minute, Amadoni Kamalov driving beyond Sumit Shrestha down the right to cut back towards Azizboev and, after a touch to take possession away from the defence, the midfielder slammed the ball into the roof of the net.

With 90 seconds left in the half, Azizboev squandered an opportunity to double the lead when he thumped his shot from close range high over the bar.

Tajikistan should have doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half when Muso Qahorov powered through the Nepalese defence only to send his shot into the side-netting.

The hosts, however, did get their second goal three minutes later as Kamolov sent another inviting cross from the right with Azizboev heading in from the edge of the six-yard box.

Tajikistan added their third on the 90-minute mark when Rahmatshoh Rahmatzoda lashed home a first-time shot from the 18-yard line and less than a minute later, Daler Sharipov slid a low effort past Krishal Moktan to complete a comfortable win for the hosts.