Bahrain coach Milan Macala believes an early goal is key against New Zealand in Saturday's AFC/OFC Playoff second leg in Wellington.

With both teams bidding for a spot in next year's FIFA World Cup, The Reds, who were held to a scoreless draw at the National Stadium last month, are aiming to reach their first World Cup, while the All Whites are gunning for their second after a side featuring current coach Ricki Herbert reached the 1982 finals in Spain.

Bahrain have been training in Sydney this week and will fly on Thursday to Wellington, where the 34,500-capacity Westpac Stadium is expected to be packed for the 'winner-takes-all' clash, which kicks off at 8.00pm New Zealand time.

"We had many chances in the first game and this will give us enough motivation. The players know their responsibilities well," said the 66-year-old Macala, speaking to Australian sports channel SBS.

"We will not be afraid of our opponents. Our main aim is to score early in order to put pressure on our opponents, who will be playing at home in front of their own fans."

Bahrain narrowly missed out on reaching Germany 2006 when they lost a two-legged encounter with Trinidad and Tobago, but now have the chance to make amends in a potentially historic encounter with the Oceania champions.

"I am living this dream like any other Bahraini who wants to qualify for the World Cup for the first time. We'll work very hard to achieve this dream," said Macala, whose contract was renewed after Bahrain finished third in Group A in Asia's fourth qualifying round to set up September's two-leg AFC Playoff with Saudi Arabia.

"If we make this dream come true, it will be a big achievement for this tiny kingdom and will help Bahrain advance up the world ranking."

Macala had his full squad together for the first time on Tuesday after Nigeria-born striker Jaycee John arrived from Belgium, where the 24-year-old has already scored six goals for Mouscron this season.

However, defender Mohamed Husain, competing in his fourth World Cup qualifying campaign, is still recovering from a back muscle injury sustained while playing for Qatar's Umm Salal against AFC Champions League winners Pohang Steelers in last month's semi-final.

Bahrain routed Togo 5-1 in a friendly last Saturday before leaving for Sydney. Abdulla Baba Fatadi, a 24-year-old midfielder with Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax, and 23-year-old striker Ismaeel Abdulatif each bagged a brace, while UAE-based defender Husain Baba also scored.

"It was a good win, although Togo were missing many key players," said team manager Hassan Khalfan. "I think scoring five goals helped our players mentally as we prepare for New Zealand. It's an example of what they can do."

AFC/OCF Playoff - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa

10/10/2009 (18:30) Bahrain 0-0 New Zealand, Bahrain National Stadium

14/11/2009 (20:00) New Zealand v Bahrain, Westpac Stadium, Wellington