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BAHRAIN's national soccer team kicked off their campaign in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers on a winning note, defeating 2007 Asian Cup co-hosts Malaysia 4-1 on Sunday night at the National Stadium in Riffa.
Goals from Abdulla Fatai, Jaycee John, Mahmood Abdulrahman ‘Ringo’ and substitute Ala’a Hubail gave Bahrain a flying start in their bid to reach the World Cup finals for the first time.
Bahrain will travel to Kuala Lumpur for the second-leg match on Sunday.
Coached by 63-year-old Milan Macala of Czech Republic, Bahrain controlled proceedings and scored twice in the first 15 minutes.
Backed by thousands of supporters, Bahrain doubled their lead in the 15th minute through John. The Nigerian-born striker found the back of the net from close range after he was well set up by Ringo.
In the 55th minute Ringo ended a long run from the midfield with a curling shot which found the target. It was finally left to striker Hubail to secure the emphatic victory with a fourth goal from a penalty kick in the final minute.
