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Harry Kane brace guides Tottenham to victory in Malaysia friendly

England striker Harry Kane lived up to his star billing, leading Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-1 victory over a Malaysian XI in a friendly at Kuala Lumpur's Shah Alam Stadium on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old scored two first half goals to delight the fans before exiting early in the second half as Spurs began a season-ending tour that will next head to Australia, where they will meet Sydney FC.

Despite a modest crowd of less than 30,000 that seemed to have been impacted by protests in the lead-up over the timing of the fixture, those who did turn up were treated to a strong Tottenham starting XI.

Kane led the line, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Andros Townsend, Danny Rose, Jan Vertonghen and Hugo Lloris all on the pitch for the opening whistle.

Malaysian veteran Indra Putra Mahayuddin captained the local XI alongside compatriots Joseph Kalang Tie and Ronny Harun.

Five foreign players -- Australian Robbie Cornthwaite and Brazilian duo Paulo Rangel and Thiago Juninho among them -- added some experience and international flavour to the local talent on show.

The home side made a lively start, with Indra Putra having the first shot of the match blocked by the Spurs' defence in an encouraging opening by the underdogs.

Both sides had chances before Kane followed the script and opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

It was all set up by Eriksen, who chased down a ball wide on the left and skipped his way into the box, where his cross found Tom Carroll. His first time effort hit the bar and fell kindly for Kane, who was in the right place to tap home the rebound.

Rangel was certain he had a quick reply four minutes later but his neat chest-down and finish was ruled offside.

In the 32nd minute the home crowd did have an equaliser to cheer, with Thiago Juninho's perfectly timed header beating Lloris low to his right.

Kane then gave the visitors the lead once more when Carroll's through-ball allowed him to bury a searing right-foot strike into the bottom left corner.

More chances went begging in the second half, with Kane hitting the bottom of a post before he was substituted and Rangel coming close with a free kick that drew a smart save from substitute keeper Michel Vorm 10 minutes from time.