Perennial Asian Champions League qualifiers Pakhtakor opened their 2009 bid with a 2-1 victory over Al Ahli in Group A at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai today.

Odil Ahmedov and Zaynitidn Tadijyev scored in each half for the visitors, while Egyptian Hosni Abdulrabou pulled a goal back for Al Ahli with a minute remaining but the home side were left to rue a second-half penalty miss from Cezar.

Alexander Geynrikh's sent a shot from the edge of the box crashing against the post after just 15 minutes for Pakhtakor to set the tone for the visitors' intentions.

And just seven minutes later Madjeer's charging run into the penalty area was halted as he was bundled over by Yousef Jaber and Ahmedov calmly rolled home the penalty.

The home side were handed their chance from the spot eight minutes into the second half but Cezar's weak effort was stopped by the Pakhtakor goalkeeper.

And seven minutes after the hour mark Geynrikh led a Pakhtakor counter-attack which resulted in him crossing low from the left for Tadjiev to double the lead with ease.

Abdulrabou gave Al Ahli hope with a minute remaining but Pakhtakor deservedly claimed the points.