After Mohammed Halawi had given the Lebanese side, the hosts hit back with goals from Aziz Alijonov and Sardor Mirzaev to leapfrog their opponents into second place in Group A.

The game in Fergana kicked off in heavy rain and Neftchi suffered an early setback when Halawi found the back of the net after six minutes. They came close to doubling their advantage shortly afterwards when Junior da Silva hit the bar.

Akmal Halimov also rattled the crossbar with a strike from distance as the home side began to assert their dominance.

And they were presented with a golden opportunity to get back into the game when Mansur Saidov earned a penalty.

Alijonov stepped up to take it but although his effort was struck powerfully enough, it was straight at keeper Mohamed Hammoud. However, Alijonov was first to the rebound and dispatched it to draw Neftchi level.

Both sides began the second period in a more assertive fashion and Neftchi took the lead with Alijonov once again at the heart of the action.

Aljionov’s long-range free-kick was deflected into the path of Mirzaev and the 18-year-old forward converted to put the home side in front.

Sherzod Halikov had a chance to extend Neftchi’s lead but he disappointingly fired wide when well placed.

Neftchi now lead Al Ahed by two points going into their final fixture against Al Tilal in Yemen, where three points will ensure they progress to the last 16.