Bunyodkor, one of the tournament favourites, had cruised through their opening two games but fell behind in the 36th minute.

An incisive pass inside the full-back freed Hassan Ashjari down the left wing and his delightful cross was met by a fine sidefoot volley from Mohammad Hosseini six yards out at the back post.

Zob Ahan extended their lead in the 52nd minute when Mohammad Ghazi collected Ashjari's throw, advanced a few steps and unleashed a spectacular left-foot drive from 30 yards that dipped into the top corner, giving keeper Ignatiy Nesterov no chance at all.

The Iranians then set the seal on an excellent victory when Ghasem Hadadifar slipped in Mohammad Khalatbari and he drilled home past Nesterov from 12 yards.

Last season's beaten finalists Al Ittihad registered their first win of the 2010 edition as goals from Abdelmalik Ziaya and Mohammed Noor clinched a 2-0 win over Al Wahda at Al Nahyan Stadium.

Ziaya put the Saudis in front after 17 minutes when he headed Noor's cross past keeper Adel Al Hosani.

Al Wahda's Fernando Baiano saw an effort cleared off the line by Mishal Al Saeed in the 67th minute before Noor sealed the points for the visitors in stoppage time when he beat Al Hosani with a low finish following an exchange of passes with Hicham Aboucherouane.