City downs Malaysia in pre-season friendly

Playing in humid conditions in Malaysia as part of City's pre-season tour, Mancini's side wrapped up its visit with an impressive 3-1 victory.

The star of the game was striker Sergio Aguero, who looked fresh and full of energy after a brief end of season break.

Aguero, opened the scoring in the 17th minute and created the other two goals for Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson.

Aguero had the chance to put City one up in the ninth minute when he rounded the Malaysia's defence only to see his shot hit the crossbar.

But he was not to be denied eight minutes later, when he burst past three defenders before chipping the ball over goalkeeper Mohamad Farizal Marlias.

A smiling Mancini was delighted with the performances of his players and Aguero in particular and said the tour reinforced his belief the team can go all the way in the coming season.

"We were confident two weeks ago and I'm even more confident today. Sergio played very well and his partnership with Carlos has continued from last season," he said when asked about City's chances of retaining the title.

"They scored a goal each today, which is good. Sergio also played in the wide position today but still produced the goods. Hopefully we can continue his good form in the coming season," Mancini said.

Meanwhile City's manager was quick to downplay injury concerns surrounding team captain Vincent Kompany, who had to cut short his tour after picking up a knock earlier in the week.

"It's nothing serious. He had a scan and should be fit to play against Chelsea in the Charity Shield in two weeks' time," Mancini said.

"I'm happy we didn't have any injuries today despite playing two matches in four days. It is difficult but the players are alright now," he added.

Mancini described the tour as a "eye opener" for his team as he was able to try out several of his younger players.

Although City started as the favourite, it was Malaysia who nearly opened the scoring in the second minute, when City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon handled the ball outside the box.

Pantilimon, however, made up for his error when he saved Safiq Rahim's freekick.

It was City who then dominated play and kept Malaysia defending.

Just three minutes into the second-half, Aguero turned provider, slipping the ball to compatriot Tevez, who dinked it home from close range.

Four minutes later Aguero's sublime chip split Malaysia's defence and Johnson collected the ball on his chest before slotting home.

Malaysia pulled a goal back three minutes from time when substitute Azamuddin Akil dribbled through the City defence and hammered the ball past substitute goalkeeper Eirik Johansen.

City has three more friendlies before it plays in the Community Shield against Chelsea on August 12.

City, who is visiting Malaysia for the first time, won 2-0 in a friendly against English Premier League rivals Arsenal in Beijing last week.

Malaysia has hosted several top English Premier League sides, who are increasingly keen to nurture a fan base and help attract sponsors in Asia.

Arsenal paid a visit before travelling to China to meet Manchester City. Queens Park Rangers played two friendlies in Malaysia earlier this month.