The Saudis need only a point from their final two games to seal their passage from Group Four alongside Uzbekistan after recording three wins in four games.

However, it was not enough to save the Brazilian from the chop after the SAFF announced in a statement he would be replaced by Nasser Al Johar with immediate effect.

"General president of youth welfare and chairman of the Saudi Football Federation Prince Sultan Bin Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz made the decision on Sunday to sack current national-team coach Brazilian Mr Helio Dos Anjos," it read.

"Saudi coach Nasser Al Johar will replace Dos Anjos for the remaining fixtures in the Asian qualifiers.

"Mr Helio dos Anjos was not able to improve the squad's ability despite being given every opportunity during his time with the team.

"We wish him a successful career in the future."

It appears Dos Anjos, who took charge in March 2007, paid the price for what was deemed a series of unimpressive displays culminating in the narrow defeat of Lebanon in Riyadh on Sunday after they had outclassed the same opponents 4-1 five days previously.