Bangladesh vs Malaysia: Bangladesh’s ASEAN Cup campaign starts with 3-0 defeat to Malaysia
Bangladesh began its FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign with a 3-0 loss to Malaysia in Jakarta. Arif Aiman scored twice before Bergson added a third.
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Bangladesh opened its campaign at the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup with a 3-0 loss to Malaysia on Friday.
Arif Aiman scored twice in the first half before Bergson added a third early in the second at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Malaysia took the lead in the 18th minute when Arif Aiman cut into the penalty area from the right and scored from a tight angle, sending the ball between goalkeeper Srabon’s legs.
Arif doubled Malaysia’s lead in the 38th minute, finishing from the center of the penalty area after Bangladesh failed to close him down.
Bergson made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute, turning inside the area before firing past the Bangladesh defense.
Bangladesh coach Thomas Doley introduced debutants Shuki Itofusa and Farhan Ali Wahed at halftime. Bangladesh created more attacking opportunities late in the game but failed to score.
Hamza Choudhury missed a chance to reduce the deficit in the 76th minute after finding himself one-on-one with the Malaysian goalkeeper.
Bangladesh was without experienced defender Topu Barman, and its defense struggled to contain Malaysia throughout the match.
Bangladesh will face Singapore on Sept. 28 before playing host Indonesia on Oct. 1 in its final Group A match.
The group winner will advance to the Division 1 final, while the runner-up will play in the third-place match.
