Da Silva scores on dream debut as Harimau Malaya maul Bengal Tigers
Bergson da Silva, who was only cleared to don the Malaysian football team colours less than two weeks ago, made a dream start with the Harimau Malaya in the FIFA Asean Cup yesterday.
Source: The Star · September 26, 2026 at 3:02 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceSINGAPORE, 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 —
Bergson da Silva scored on his Malaysia debut as Harimau Malaya beat Bangladesh 3‑0 in the opening match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup on Tuesday at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
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The 35‑year‑old Brazilian‑born forward, who was cleared to wear the national colours less than two weeks before the game, added the final goal in the second half after winger Arif Aiman Hanapi had already put Malaysia ahead with a brace in the first 45 minutes.
Da Silva said the strike was a moment he “never imagined to be here”. He told reporters, “When I entered the pitch and shared those moments with my teammates, it’s a reason to feel proud and happy… I would like to think that everyone who supports me feels the same way.
Sharing moments and making memories with my teammates are priceless.” The forward, who plays for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), highlighted the importance of the three points as Malaysia prepares for its next fixtures. “The three points are important and we have to keep doing this as we look forward to two more tough matches. We know what we can do, and we are proud to represent Malaysia,” he said.
Alongside da Silva, two other JDT players – Manuel Hidalgo and Brad Tapp – also made their first appearances for the national side in the Bangladesh game. Their inclusion marks a broader integration of JDT talent into the Harimau Malaya squad ahead of the tournament’s later stages.
Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe praised the debutant’s impact and said the win should lift the team’s confidence. “I have to congratulate Bergson. He came in and scored; that’s a motivation and confidence booster for the team,” Cheng Hoe said. He added, “I hope they can maintain their performance against Indonesia. It was a tough first game for us, but it’s good to get the winning momentum.”
The victory positions Malaysia to face host nation Indonesia on Monday, a match Cheng Hoe described as a “tough” encounter but one where the team will look to sustain the momentum generated in Jakarta. A subsequent clash with Singapore is scheduled for Thursday, completing the group‑stage itinerary.
Bangladesh, the opponent in the opening fixture, were unable to respond to Malaysia’s early dominance. Arif Aiman’s two first‑half goals gave the Harimau Malaya a comfortable lead, and da Silva’s late strike sealed the clean sheet. The 3‑0 scoreline reflects a strong start for the Malaysian side, which will now aim to translate the performance into further points against higher‑ranked regional rivals.
The match also underscores the growing role of naturalised players in the national team’s strategy. Da Silva’s rapid clearance and immediate contribution illustrate the federation’s willingness to integrate talent that can enhance competitiveness in regional tournaments. His statement that “everyone who supports me feels the same way” hints at the broader public interest in the team’s evolving composition.
With the group stage now underway, Malaysia’s next two games will determine whether the opening win can be built into a qualifying campaign. The team’s ability to maintain defensive solidity, as shown against Bangladesh, and to continue finding goal‑scoring outlets through both home‑grown and naturalised forwards will be. Cheng Hoe’s focus on “maintaining performance” suggests that tactical consistency will be a key theme as the Harimau Malaya seek to advance beyond the group phase.