Japan came into the tie as heavy favourites while Cambodia were looking to maintain the impressive form shown against Hong Kong.

Japan, champions in 2016, raced off the blocks and their persistence paid off as early as the ninth minute with Kuryu Matsuki rising highest to nod home off Hijiri Kato‘s corner.

Cambodia goalkeeper Hul Kimhuy denied Hidemasa Koda  in the 22nd minute at the near post before tipping away Kuryu Matsuki’s dipping effort for a corner.

However, Japan continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 35th minute after a brilliant effort from Hidemasa Koda, who dribbled his way into the six-yard box before sending a low drive past Hul.

Japan continued to dominate the second period, going 3-0 up in the 52nd minute through Mao Hosoya before substitute Jiro Nakamura scored the fourth goal in the 73rd as the East Asian side took a huge step towards Uzbekistan 2022.