Malaysia crushes Bangladesh 3-0 in ASEAN Cup opener
Malaysia opened the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in Jakarta, extending their lead in Group A with three points and a +3 goal difference.
Source: New Age BD · September 25, 2026 at 2:31 PM · AI-assisted report
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JAKARTA, 25 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Malaysia opened the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in Jakarta, extending their lead in Group A with three points and a +3 goal difference.
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The match at Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium on September 25 saw Malaysia take early control, with Arif Aiman Hanapi scoring twice in the first half. His first goal came in the 18th minute after racing onto Nooa Laine's pass, while his second arrived in the 37th minute following Stuart Wilkin's delivery.
Bergson da Silva, making his Malaysia debut after his Brazil youth international career, completed the scoring in the 52nd minute after converting Corbin-Ong L.'s assist.
Malaysia's technical superiority was evident throughout. They held 60% of possession, registered 13 shots with seven on target, and created five corners compared to Bangladesh's two. Bangladesh managed only two shots on target despite seven total attempts, with their best chance coming late when Hamza Choudhury forced a save from Haziq Nadzli in the 76th minute.
The result leaves Malaysia top of Group A, while Bangladesh sits bottom with no points. Singapore and hosts Indonesia remain unbeaten as they await their opening matches. Bangladesh will face Singapore on September 28 before concluding their group campaign against Indonesia on October 1.
This victory marks Malaysia's strongest start in the tournament's new format, which now includes non-ASEAN nations like Bangladesh through FIFA's invitation system. The team's attacking efficiency and defensive solidity will be key as they aim to defend their title in the competition's first edition under the FIFA ASEAN Cup branding.
While Bangladesh showed moments of resistance, their defensive structure was exposed early by Malaysia's relentless pressure. The defeat highlights the gap between the two teams' competitive experience, with Malaysia demonstrating tactical discipline and offensive firepower from the opening whistle.
For Malaysia, this win establishes a commanding position in Group A. Their ability to score early and maintain possession suggests they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The performance also showcased depth in their squad, with debutant Bergson da Silva contributing immediately to the attack.
The tournament's new format, featuring eight teams in Division 1, introduces additional competitive dynamics. Bangladesh's inclusion through FIFA's invitation process expands the field beyond traditional ASEAN members, potentially raising the overall standard of play in the region.
As the competition progresses, Malaysia's early dominance will test other Group A contenders. Singapore and Indonesia's upcoming matches will determine whether Malaysia maintains their lead or faces stiff competition in the group stage. The high intensity and technical quality displayed in this opening fixture sets the benchmark for the remaining games.
For Bangladesh, the defeat serves as a reality check in their first competitive outing at this level. Their next challenge against Singapore on September 28 will be crucial in assessing their progress and potential to improve their group position. A victory in either of their remaining matches would be essential for any hopes of advancing beyond the group stage.
Related: Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium · Arif Aiman Hanapi · Jakarta