DOHA: The new year has begun on a winning note for world champions Bayern Munich.

As part of their mid-season training camp in Doha, Bayern faced Sudanese champions Al Merrikh and beat them 2-0.

A 35th-minute effort from youngster Julian Green put the Bavarians in control while Claudio Pizarro sealed the Africans’ fate in the 53rd.

The 6,543 crowd at the home ground used by Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd, whose biggest player is former Real stalwart Raul, saw a total of 21 Bayern stars in action after coach Pep Guardiola changed all his outfield players at half-time.

Only keeper Tom Starke covered the full 90 minutes. The world’s best goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remained on the bench, with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben and Holger Badstuber not in the squad as they continue rehab programmes.