A stunning free-kick from Eran Zahavi silenced sold-out Hampden after just five minutes until John McGinn lifted the mood with a curling finish from the edge of the box.
That boost though was immediately wiped by Munas Dabbur’s scrambled goal moments later which gave the visitors the half-time lead.
Lyndon Dykes had a poor penalty saved just before the break, but did find the leveller after a little help from VAR in the second half.
Then with Scotland pressing for a vital winner it finally came in the 94th minute when Scott McTominay headed in and Scotland moved four points clear in second place.
Here's how the players rated…
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
5. Jack Hendry - 6
Clumsy to concede the free-kick for the opener but came onto a game as second half wore on and Scotland dominated. Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
6. Scott McTominay - 7
Defensively poor first half but redeemed himself with late, late winner to become night’s hero after persistence at back-post set-pieces and winning goal. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. John McGinn - 8
Bundles of energy and stunning equaliser. Set the standard in the first half for others to match in second. Booked Photo: Jane Barlow
8. Callum McGregor - 7
So often in the right place at the right time, to keep play ticking over despite recent injury lay-off. Photo: Ian MacNicol