Denilson, who won the AFC Champions League with Korea Republic’s Pohang Steelers last year, struck in either half to seal the win as last year’s quarter-finalists built on their opening round vicotry over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad.

Saeed Al Kathiri pulled a goal back for Al Wahda with a minute remaining, but it was not enough as Josef Hickersberger’s side suffered a second consecutive defeat.

At Al Nahyan Stadium, former AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov was thwarted by Basheer Saeed after just five minutes, while at the other end Al Wahda striker Fernando Baiano fired wide.

After earlier halting Djeparov’s run, Saeed headed wide for the visitors, who saw their attacks halted on several occasions as striker Ismail Matar, who missed the 1-0 opening day defeat by Zob Ahan, continually strayed off-side.

But the diminutive UAE international almost found a breakthrough for Al Wahda only to be denied from the edge of the area by a brilliant save from Bunyodkor goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov.

Denilson volleyed wide for the visitors after 31 minutes before Al Wahda goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani was called into action to deny Djeparov.

But nine minutes before the break Al Hosani was at fault for Bunyodkor’s opener as the Al Wahda goalkeeper charged out of his goal in an attempt to collect Victor Karpenko’c cross, but was beaten to the delivery by Denilson as the Brazilian rose on the penalty spot to head into the unguarded net.

Denilson should have doubled the lead with 15 minutes remaining but headed over the crossbar from close range following a tight start to the second half.

Nesterov was again equal to Matar’s shot before the Bunyodkor goalkeeper denied Khalid Jalal as Al Wahda pushed for an equaliser.

But with five minutes remaining Al Hosani failed to hold Jasur Hasanov’s stinging drive and Denilson nipped in to fire into the empty net from close range.

Substitute Al Kathiri capitalised on poor marking to slot home from close range to reduce the deficit with a minute remaining and Al Wahda almost snatched a point in stoppage time but Nesterov again saved the visitors by denying Baiano.