The Saudis took the lead in the first half through AFC Player of the Year Yasser Al Qahtani and second-half substitute Malek Maaz sealed the win with nine minutes remaining.

The victory puts Saudi Arabia at the top of Group Four on goal difference from Uzbekistan, who defeated Lebanon 1-0 in the other pool match earlier on Wednesday.

The first real chance for the hosts came on 12 minutes when Mohammed Al Shalhoub sent a powerful free-kick over the crossbar while Khaled Aziz's long-range effort went a similar way.

The breakthrough arrived on 39 minutes when Aziz played a long pass from the back to Yasser Al Qahtani who sent the ball above the advancing Lionel Lewis and into the net.

Singapore almost found an instant response when John Wilkinson latched onto a pass on the edge of the area and fired in a powerful volley which went directly towards Saudi goalkeeper Taisir Al Nataif.

The visitors started the second half brightly and controlled the midfield battle but could not fine a cutting edge up front as the Saudis fought to hold onto their lead.

Saudi Arabia's Brazilian coach Helio dos Anjos brought on striker Malek Maaz midway into the second half and the attacking approach almost paid dividends after 75 minutes but Saud Khariri's long-range drive flew past the right-hand upright.

The hosts did double their advantage with nine minutes remaining, however, when substitute midfielder Manaf Abushgeer found Maaz and the frontman turned and blasted a powerful low drive into the bottom-left corner.

There was still time for Abushgeer to almost cap his night with a goal, but his fierce free-kick flew over the bar.