Indeed, it proved a disastrous start for Myanmar with defeats to Mongolia (1-0), Japan (2-0) and Kyrgyz Republic (7-0) putting them on the edge of early elimination. But, amazingly, the Southeast Asians overcame Tajikistan in a 4-3 goal-thriller before downing Mongolia 1-0 to move a point shy of second-placed Kyrgyz Republic.

Myanmar followed up Thursday's 4-3 win over Tajikistan with a 1-0 defeat of Mongolia on Tuesday to revive their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifying campaign.

The wins, which followed three consecutive defeats, have to be credited to head coach Antoine Hey, who has steadied the ship after replacing Miodrag Radulovic at the helm last month.

It was the Southeast Asian side's second consecutive victory, having stunned Tajikistan 4-3 on Thursday and gives them hope of, at least, advancing into the third round of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers.

In what proved to be a wonderfully topsy-turvy at the Mandalar Thiri Stadium, Myanmar – with returning head coach Antoine Hey watching on from the sidelines – withstood a late Tajikistan rally to break a run of three successive defeats and breath much needed life into the nation’s qualification hopes.

The result leaves Myanmar still occupying fifth place in the group standings but having closed the gap on the teams above then, while Tajikistan remain third with six points from their four fixtures.

Edgar Bernhardt netted a hat-trick, Alimardon Shukurov a brace and Gulzhigit Alyukulov and Valerii Kichin added goals of their own as Alexander Krestinin’s side recorded their biggest ever win on the international stage.

Kyrgyz Republic’s dream night takes them to three points from two matches ahead of next Tuesday’s visit to Mongolia, while Myanmar remain bottom of Group F after a succumbing to a third successive loss.

Early goals from Shoya Nakajima and Takumi Minamino proved decisive for Hajime Moriyasu’s side, who began their campaign with a minimum of fuss ahead of next month’s fixtures against Mongolia and Tajikistan.

While the four-time Asian champions were good value for their opening win, Myanmar’s defeat leaves them at the bottom of Group F, having also been beaten 1-0 by Mongolia in their opening fixture last Thursday.

Dulguun’s goal in the 17th minute was enough to see off a Myanmar side that played out the final quarter of the game with 10 men after Maung Maung Lwin was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving Mongolia to pick up a landmark victory.