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Bangladesh began their FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Malaysia in their Group A opener at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Friday.
Thomas Doley’s side conceded twice in the first half before Malaysia added a third early in the second half. Bangladesh created several chances after the break but failed to find the net.
Malaysia, who are ranked significantly higher than Bangladesh, controlled the match from the start and repeatedly threatened the Bangladesh defence.
They came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute when Mehedi Hasan Srabon made a crucial save from a dangerous effort following a corner.
The pressure finally paid off in the 18th minute. Malaysia’s Arif Aiman collected the ball in midfield and broke into the penalty area. Topu Barman failed to stop him, and the Malaysian forward beat Srabon to put his side ahead.
Arif doubled the lead in the 38th minute after capitalising on another defensive error. He intercepted a misplaced pass from Topu and calmly finished to make it 2-0 before the break.
Bangladesh showed more attacking intent after the restart, with Hamza Choudhury and his teammates pushing forward in search of a goal.
Instead, Malaysia extended their lead in the 52nd minute. Brazilian-born Malaysian forward Bergson Gustavo controlled a cross from the right with his left foot before shooting with his right. His effort was not particularly powerful, but Srabon could not keep it out.
Bangladesh had a good opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 76th minute. Hamza collected a pass and entered the penalty area with only the goalkeeper in front of him. His first effort was saved, and the Malaysian goalkeeper also stopped his follow-up shot, turning it behind for a corner.
There were no further goals as Malaysia completed a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Bangladesh will look to recover against Singapore in their second Group A match at the same venue on September 28. They will face hosts Indonesia in their final group match on October 1.
