Uzbekistan qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup finals with a 3-1 triumph over Malaysia at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Anvar Gafurov and Bakhodir Nasimov scored either side of half-time for Uzbekistan, who also beat Malaysia 3-1 on Saturday in Tashkent.

Baddrol Bakhtiar pulled a goal back for Malaysia with 20 minutes remaining, but Uzbekistan captain Timur Kapadze struck in the closing stages as the visitors maintained their 100% record in Group C to qualify with a game to spare.

After suffering a third defeat of the competition, pointless Malaysia must beat United Arab Emirates in their final game on January 6 to maintain their slim hopes of qualifying and then hope Uzbekistan beat UAE in March.

In heavy rain in Kuala Lumpur, Uzbekistan were rewarded for their first half dominance 13 minutes before the break as Gafurov headed home from Kapadze's corner.

The visitors continued to dominate after the break and two minutes before the hour mark Uzbekistan doubled their lead as Nasimov converted from from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

Uzbekistan relaxed with their two-goal cushion and allowed the young home side back into the game and Malaysia were rewarded as Safiq set up Baddrol to convert at the far post.

But with 14 minutes remaining hesitation in the Malaysia defence allowed Kapadze to burst clear and seal the win from just inside the area.