Amanov opened the scoring for the Central Asians with an impressive first-half thunderbolt, before Japan netted three times after the break to seal a win following what had proved to be a stern test for the four-time Asian champions.

Despite the defeat, and given that Turkmenistan still have two group stage games to play, hope continues to spring eternal for Yazguly Hojageldiyev’s charges – with Amanov now targeting all three points from the Uzbekistan encounter.

The four-time Asian champions went into the break trailing 1-0 after Arslanmurat Amanov’s stunning long-range strike had threatened to earn Turkmenistan their first-ever victory at the continental Finals.

However, a much-improved Japanese display after the break – which saw Yuya Osako score twice and Ritsu Doan add a third – proved enough to seal all three points for Japan despite a late scare courtesy of Ahmet Atayev’s 79th minute penalty.

The four-time champions of Asia had trailed 1-0 going into half-time, but a rousing performance in the second half saw Hajime Moriyasu’s charges eventually claim all three points and top spot in Group F.

Despite Japan’s first-half woes, Nagatomo – an ever-present when his nation claimed the AFC Asian Cup title in 2011 – proved to be a calming influence in a side which was clearly transformed after the break.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Yuya Osaka’s brace and a goal from Ritsu Doan proved the difference in a game which had seen four-time champions Japan trailing at half-time before a spirited revival ensured all three points for Hajime Moriyasu’s charges.

The result takes Japan to the top of Group F where they are level on points with Uzbekistan who beat Oman 2-1 in the group's later game.

Uzbekistan led 1-0 at the break following Odil Ahmedov's curling free-kick at the Sharjah Stadium.

Oman, however, clawed their way back into the game when substitute Muhsen Al Ghassani pulled his side level in the 72nd minute.

But with five minutes left, Eldor Shomurodov produced a moment of brilliance after coming on as a second-half substitute to ensure Cuper’s men got their UAE 2019 campaign off to a winning start.

Uzbekistan took time to settle into the match against the pacey West Asians before eventually finding the net through Odil Ahmedov’s strike to lead 1-0 at the break.

Hector Cuper’s men soon found themselves defending deep at the start of the second half and were unable to stop Muhsen Al Ghassani from levelling the tie.

Despite the shift in momentum, the White Wolves were able to carve up a goal with five minutes left after substitute Eldor Shomurodov caught the Omani defence napping to snatch a last-gasp winner.

The win took Uzbekistan to second in the standings behind Japan, who defeated Turkmenistan 3-2 in their opening tie earlier on Wednesday.

Oman started aggressively, as they tested the Uzbekistan defence with several surging runs and in the 14th minute, came close to scoring through Ahmed Al Mahaijri’s header which goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov brilliantly saved.

Oman’s confidence grew as they pegged the White Wolves in their own half and in the 25th minute, Saad Al Mukhaini’s delivery from the right flank sailed invitingly for Raed Saleh but the forward failed to connect.