Bakhrom Norsafarov’s side are closely followed at the top of the table by Islamic Republic of Iran, who beat hosts Tajikistan 4-0, while Afghanistan also began with a win, prevailing 2-1 against Turkmenistan in Friday's Matchday One action.

The action continues with three more matches on Saturday, with the inaugural regional women’s U-23 tournament to conclude on Thursday.

The host nation is joined by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkmenistan, with all six Central Asian Football Association members competing on a round-robin basis.

A total of 15 matches will be held in two host cities – Dushanbe and Hisor – with the winners to be determined following the final day of competition next Thursday.

Emily Gielnik scored the game’s only goal in the 23rd minute, while Sam Kerr provided the assist, had a penalty saved and hit the woodwork on a night where the Australian captain did everything but score.

The match was part of the Matildas’ preparation for next February’s Olympic Qualifiers, where they will meet Chinese Taipei, Thailand and China PR on the Road to Tokyo.

Japan 2-0 South Africa

All of the scoring came in the first half, with Olympique Lyonnais star Saki Kumagai notching a rare international goal in the 20th minute before Yuika Sugasawa added a second four minutes before half time.

Japan’s success follows last month’s 4-0 success over Canada, as the Asian champions look to challenge for medals in their home Olympics next August.

Reigning AFC Women’s Player of the Year Wang Shuang scored both goals for the Steel Roses, who prevailed in their first game since their FIFA Women’s World Cup exit in June.

Earlier, Brazil booked their place in the weekend’s decider with a 4-0 thumping of Canada, who suffered their second heavy defeat on Asian soil in as many months after October’s 4-0 loss to Japan.

The side will travel to Busan for next month’s tournament, where they will face Korea Republic, Japan and China PR as a replacement team for DPR Korea, who withdrew from the event this week.

Chinese Taipei will appear in the final stage of the competition for the first time since 2010 having finished second in last December’s Second Preliminary Round, where they defeated both Hong Kong and Mongolia before losing 2-0 to China PR.

Group A will have DPR Korea, hosts Korea Republic, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Group B pitted Australia, hosts China PR, Thailand and Chinese Taipei.