It took Odil Ahmedov’s 44th minute effort to help Uzbekistan overcome a stubborn Lebanon side. The solitary goal was enough for the Uzbeks to hold on and secure all three points in Beirut.

The Lebanese took the game to Uzbekistan but failed to make a breakthrough. With the win, Uzbekistan lie in second place in the group after Saudi Arabia defeated Singapore 2-0 in Riyadh.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan have failed to qualify for the World Cup. The closest they came to making the finals was for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

But their previous campaign was mired in controversy when FIFA ordered the replay of a group match with Bahrain because of a mistake by a referee. They were beaten by Bahrain and denied an opportunity to secure a playoff berth.