Malaysia opens ASEAN Cup 2026 with 3-0 win over Bangladesh
Malaysia secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, taking sole command of Group A with three points after Indonesia and Singapore’s delayed game.
Source: Malaysiakini · September 26, 2026 at 1:02 AM · AI-assisted report
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GELORA BUNG KARNO STADIUM, JAKARTA, 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Malaysia secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, taking sole command of Group A with three points after Indonesia and Singapore’s delayed game.
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The Harimau Malaya struck early through Arif Aiman Hanapi, who scored twice in the first half—once in the 18th minute and again in the 37th—while Bergson da Silva, Malaysia’s newly naturalised Brazilian forward, added the third goal in the 53rd. According to match data, Malaysia controlled 60% of possession in the Jakarta encounter at Stadium Gelora Bung Karno.
This is the first edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup hosted in Indonesia and Hong Kong, featuring 14 teams across two divisions. Malaysia’s performance—led by coach Tan Cheng Ho—demonstrated improved teamwork and tactical discipline, with the squad playing without key players like Stuart Wilkin and Nazmi Faiz Mansor.
The win positions Malaysia atop Group A, with Indonesia and Singapore yet to take the field in their opening matches. Bangladesh, playing with several injured and suspended players, struggled to contain Malaysia’s attacking threat. The Harimau Malaya now face Indonesia in their next Group A fixture.
Related: Arif Aiman Hanapi