Makhstaliev makes his mark

The Uzbek forward hit a blistering run of form in the first-half of Monday's match at the Takhti Stadium, scoring a ten-minute hat-trick with goals in the 23^rd, 25^th and 34^th minutes.

India also scored three in their qualifying campaign opener as Colm Toal's side defeated Turkmenistan 3-1 in the later match at the same venue which saw both teams finish the game with ten men.

Gurt Podarov picked two yellow cards in the space of five minutes to be sent off in the 36^th minute and things got worse for Turkmenistan when India took the lead two minutes later when Brandon Fernandes converted a penalty.

Orazberdi Myradov levelled for Turkmenistan in the 67^th minute only for Malsawmfela to restore India's advantage just two minutes later.

Parity was restored on the pitch when defender Sonu was shown a straight red in the 73^rd minute before Prabir Dias sealed India's win with their third eight minutes from full time.