Hubail scored after 15 minutes to give Bahrain the ideal start as coach Milan Macala got one over on his former employees to join Japan at the top of Group Two with three points.

Bahrain went into the game with several players missing, including injured Nigeria-born striker Jaycee Akwanamee.

However, they still managed to make an almost immediate impact as Hubail was the first to react to a quick save from Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, firing the ball into the back of the net.

Stunned by the early goal, Oman tried to get back into the game in the first half but they could not unlock the Bahraini defence.

Oman had to wait until the 40th minute to create their first chance when defender Hassan Modhafar fired a powerful shot from outside the area just wide.

A minute before the break, Oman fans were up on their feet when Bader Al Maimani sent a long-range free-kick into the area which Imad Ali connected with, but he sent his effort into the side netting from an acute angle.

After the break, Bahrain became more defensive in an effort to preserve their lead, giving Oman a chance to get into the game.

And they should have levelled the scores seven minutes into the second half but Khalifa Ayil sent his shot wide.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure and they went close two minutes after the hour mark when Ayil headed a corner just wide.

Oman continued to attack but could not find an equaliser and Bahrain held on to their lead to ensure they return to Manama with a valuable win.