Mongolia needed only eight minutes to go in front when Iraq custodian Khalat Alzebari failed to hold on to Ulzibayar Badamkhatan’s corner kick, allowing Munkhzul Bayanmunkh to knock home the rebound.

Iraq’s response was swift, equalising in the next minute thanks to a surging run on the right flank by Przha Nidham, whose effort took a deflection off Mongolia goalkeeper Zambaga Tumurbat with Nur Al-Jawahiri finishing from close range.

Things got even better for Iraq in the 18th minute when a short corner saw Tbarek Alghazawi - upon receiving the ball outside of the penalty box - then unleashing a swerving shot past Tumurbat.

The topsy-turvy match took another turn six minutes later when Badamkhatan’s wicked free-kick from almost the right touchline sailed over Alzebari to make it 2-2.

Iraq, however, stepped up another gear with Al-Jawahiri nodding home in the 27th minute before Hoda Hadi netted in the 33rd to give the West Asians the advantage at half-time.

Mongolia’s lapse in concentration saw them conceding again a minute into the restart, Al-Jawahiri benefitting from Tumurbat’s misplaced clearance to drive a long range effort into the bottom corner.

Iraq went close to a sixth when Hadi ran through on goal in the 75th minute, only to see her lobbed attempt foiled by Tumurbat’s outstretched palm but Abdulwahab Al-Zirjawi’s side had done what was required to seal the points.