Craig Bellamy earned his first win as Wales head coach in a frenetic Nations League contest with Montenegro played in atrocious conditions in rain-lashed Niksic.
Kieffer Moore put the visitors ahead after just 37 seconds with an instinctive finish, before Harry Wilson doubled their lead with a fabulous 25-yard strike just two minutes later.
As the constant downpour wreaked havoc with the pitch, the game threatened to descend into farce at times, but the chaos also added to the entertainment of a breathless encounter with chances at both ends.
Montenegro captain Stevan Jovetic hit the bar with an outlandish effort from his own half, while Driton Camaj was denied by Ben Davies’ block on the line.
Moore missed a golden opportunity to score Wales’ third in the second half as he blazed over from close range and, after Vladimir Jovovic hit the post for Montenegro, the home side finally got the goal they deserved when Camaj tapped in after 73 minutes.
Wales were far from convincing in the closing stages but, as both teams tired and the quality of the match deteriorated like the pitch, Bellamy’s side were able to cling on for victory.
The result gives Wales four points from their opening two matches in Group B4, level on points with Turkey at the top.
Dream start in the Balkan rain
In Bellamy’s first game at home to Turkey on Friday, Wales had thrilled with their adventurous, aggressive new playing style even as they were held to a goalless draw by the 10-man Euro 2024 quarter-finalists.
Wales were equally impressive in possession – tactically fluid and inventive in attack – as they were without the ball, pressing their opponents relentlessly.
The only thing missing was a goal, but it took only 37 seconds for Wales to correct that in Niksic.
There was an element of fortune as an attempted clearance inside the Montenegrin penalty area bounced off Wilson and into the path of Moore, who finished decisively with a low strike off the post.
No luck was involved in the second goal, as Wilson added to his personal collection of spectacular strikes with a 25-yard beauty that sailed into the top corner.
It was just as well Wales scored their goals so early in the game because, as torrential rain soaked the City Stadium in Niksic, playing conditions became extremely difficult, with players struggling to stay on their feet as the pitch cut up badly.
It made for an enjoyably frantic spectacle, a rapid tempo and two open, attacking teams pouring forward at every opportunity.
Jovetic almost put Montenegro back in contention with a wonder goal, spotting Wales debutant Karl Darlow off his line and launching a stunning shot from his own half which hit the top of the bar.
Darlow then thwarted the Montenegrin all-time leading scorer with a sprawling save, and Davies was on hand to stop Camaj’s rebound with a sliding block.
The second half was calmer and chances were a little harder to come by, Stefan Mugosa heading wide for the home side from a promising position.
Despite being two goals ahead, Wales were not in total control and they missed a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt.
A flowing move involving Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson ended with Davies squaring the ball for Moore, whose sliding effort in front of an open goal went over the bar.
Buoyed by their reprieve, Montenegro applied the pressure and, four minutes after Jovovic’s 20-yard shot hit the post, they eventually got their goal as Nikola Krstovic’s inviting low cross was tapped in by Camaj.
That set up an awkward final 17 minutes for Wales to navigate and, although there were some nervous moments, they defended solidly enough to repel Montenegro’s late attempts to salvage a draw.
