The 2008 finalists needed a second-half penalty from Bunyodkor forward Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov to beat DPR Korea in their opening game of the tournament on Sunday.

The match had been far from easy for Uzbekistan and they could quite possibly have left with just a point if the Koreans had been more clinical with their finishing.

After Abdukholiqov scored from the spot just after the hour mark, the Uzbek players went on the defensive and invited pressure from DPR Korea for the remainder of the match.

That negativity almost proved their undoing as it took only a superb save by Viktor Mochalov from Jong Il-kwan's shot four minutes into stoppage time to ensure Uzbekistan took the points.

Bahrain battled back from a goal down to defeat Iraq 2-1 in their opening game and Kabaev knows if his players go into their defensive shell against the West Asians as they did against DPR Korea, they will be punished.

“We need to improve our mental preparations,” he said.

“Psychologically we were not calm during our first game and we need to improve this for the next game.

“We have watched the Bahrain team but I do not know what to expect from them, I only expect my team to win the game.”

Bahrain coach Hosni Al Zawawi is expecting a close encounter once again as they were pushed hard by Iraq in their opening game.

Iraq had taken the lead just before half time but two goals in five minutes early in the second half turned the game on its head and ensures Bahrain are in a good position to progress from Group B.

Though Bahrain battled back against Iraq Al Zawawi believes it will be much more difficult to recover if they fall behind to Uzbekistan.

“The match is very important and difficult for both teams,” he said.

“This will be a very technical match throughout and whoever scores the first goal will likely win the match.”