Bangladesh begin Fifa Asean Cup campaign with 3-0 defeat to Malaysia

Bangladesh began their inaugural Fifa Asean Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Malaysia in their Group A opener at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium today (25 September).

Malaysia took control in the first half, with Arif Aiman Hanapi scoring twice before Bergson da Silva completed the win shortly after the break.

Arif Aiman opened the scoring in the 18th minute after racing onto Nooa Laine's pass and finishing through Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon's legs.

The Malaysian winger doubled the lead in the 37th minute, turning in Stuart Wilkin's pass with a powerful finish.

Bergson da Silva added Malaysia's third in the 52nd minute after converting Corbin-Ong L.'s assist. The forward, a former Brazil youth international, was making his Malaysia debut.

Bangladesh struggled to create clear scoring opportunities throughout the match. They registered seven shots, with only two on target, compared with Malaysia's 13 shots and seven on target.

Malaysia also dominated possession, holding 60% compared with Bangladesh's 40%.

Bangladesh came close to scoring late in the match when Hamza Choudhury forced a save from Malaysia goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli, but they could not find a way back into the game.

The defeat leaves Bangladesh bottom of Group A without a point, while Malaysia move top with three points and a +3 goal difference. Singapore and hosts Indonesia are yet to begin their campaigns.

Bangladesh will face Singapore at the same venue on 28 September before taking on Indonesia in their final Group A match on 1 October.

The inaugural Fifa Asean Cup Division 1 features eight teams, with Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore forming Group A. Bangladesh entered the tournament after receiving an invitation from Fifa.

FP/R