UAE thrashes Malaysia in Asian Cup qualifier

THOROUGH THRASHING: UAE's group for qualifying matches includes Uzbekistan and Malaysia. (AFP)

The United Arab Emirates got their 2011 Asian Cup qualifying campaign off to a flying start here on Wednesday as they outclassed Malaysia 5-0.

Doubles from Mohamed Omar and Ismael Matar plus one from substitute Ahmad Khalil, seconds after he had come on, rounded off a memorable night for the Emirates football team and a thoroughly miserable one for their hosts.

Malaysia's cause had not been helped by their inspirational captain Shukon Adan missing out through a knee injury but even he would have been hard pressed to hold back the rampaging Emirates team.

Omar grabbed his brace in the first-half, giving the UAE the lead in the 29th minute following good work by Abdul Salam Al Junaibi - who had hit the bar earlier in the half - as he slotted the ball past Syamsuri Mustafa.

Omar then doubled their advantage with a penalty one minute into stoppage time of the first-half.

Matar ensured that there was no way back for Malaysia as his superb volley made it 3-0 in the 62nd minute which led to the unfortunate Syamsuri being replaced rounding off a desperate return to the international fold for him after almost a two year absence.

The introduction of substitute 'keeper Syed Adney Syed made little difference as Matar scored his second after a wonderful solo effort as he beat two defenders and slid the ball home.

Khalil was then on hand to make it 5-0, benefiting from another defensive error.

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