Tajikistan began brightly and had early opportunities to go ahead with Marjona Saidova through on goal but foiled by an alert Nurul Azurin Mazlan before Nekubakht Khudododova failed to get her effort on target from close range.

Having weathered the early pressure, Malaysia started to get into the game with Nurfazira Sani wriggling away from Benazir Jumakhonzoda in the 16th minute only to crash her attempt against the post.

There was relief for Tajikistan custodian Farahnoz Kholdorova late in the first half when an unmarked Steffi Sarge Singh headed Ainsyah Murad’s corner kick just wide of the post.

The second half started in a more cagey manner with neither Kholdorova nor Nurul Azurin called into action in the opening minutes.

There was a half-chance for Malaysia with 20 minutes left to play after good build-up on the right saw Nur Adrienna teeing up Azzlyeanieh Kinuli just inside the box for a shot that went wide.

Just like against Palestine on Sunday, Malaysia found a late breakthrough after Intan Sarah won possession inside the box and delivered the perfect cross for Henrietta Justine to nod home.