Both sides set a high tempo from the opening whistle, taking turns to launch attacking moves.

It was Oman who scored first in the fifth minute when Sami Al Bulushi sent a wonderful volley into the Bahrain net from Salim Oraimi's throw-in.

Seconds before the first period ended, the former champions doubled their lead when Yahya sped across the pitch to receive a lobbed pass from captain Abdullah Masoud Salim and sent the ball past the outstretched fingers of Bahrain goalkeeper Ahmed Abdulrasool.

Ahmed remained busy between the sticks in the second period, facing repeated attacks from Talib Al Thanawi's men, most notably from Musallam Al Arami and Yahya's repeated close-range attempts.

However, he could not keep the duo at bay for much longer, with No. 4Yahya striker scoring twice as the second period neared its end.

Bahrain were dealt a further blow just before the half-hour mark when Musallam Al Raimi's right-footed free-kick shot sailed past Ahmed to further extend Oman’s lead.

With 20 seconds remaining, Bahrain scored a consolation goal when Husain Ali Aldoseri's header found the back of the net, making it 5-1.