Bangladesh launched their inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign with crushing defeat as they were outclassed 3-0 by Malaysia in their Group A opener at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday.

The match kicked off at 3:00 pm Bangladesh time.

Ranked 136th in FIFA ranking, Malaysia dominated from the outset with quick, attacking football while 181st ranked Bangladesh struggled to maintain their shape and create meaningful chances.

Forward Arif Aiman scored twice in the first half before Bergson added another after the break as Malaysia dominated over Bangladesh throughout the match.

Malaysia exposed Bangladesh's defensive frailties to take a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon was forced into an early save in the fourth minute, tipping a Malaysian effort from a corner over the bar.

In the fourth minute, a Malaysian forward fired towards goal from a corner, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Srabon managed to get a touch and divert the ball away.

Malaysia continued to press, keeping Bangladesh's defence busy. However, the pressure finally paid off in the 18th minute.

Malaysia's No. 10 forward Arif Aiman broke into the box after receiving a pass from midfield and calmly tapped the ball past Srabon, giving his side a deserving lead.

Bangladesh conceded again in the 38th minute after a mistake by defenders. Arif Aiman seized on the misplaced pass and made no mistake, scoring his second goal of the match to double the lead.

Malaysia went into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.

After the resumption, Bangladesh tried to stage a fightback but struggled to make an impact. Instead, they conceded another goal in the 52nd minute.

Malaysia forward Bergson controlled a ball from the right flank with his left foot before firing a right-footed shot. Although the effort lacked pace, Srabon failed to keep it out.

Bangladesh created only a handful of chances throughout the match but failed to capitalize on them.

There were no further goals as Thomas Dooley's charges left the field empty handed at the final whistle.

Earlier, Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley handed the captain's armband to midfielder Sohel Rana (Sr), leaving regular captain Jamal Bhuyan out of the starting XI.

Bangladesh will play their next Group A match against Singapore at the same venue on September 28.

Bangladesh is drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Group B consists of ASEAN Championship finalists Thailand and Vietnam, alongside the Philippines and Pakistan. Vietnam, who won the ASEAN Championship last month, will open their campaign against the Philippines in Bandung on September 26.

All three matches will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Bangladesh squad

Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Srabon.

Defenders: Zidane Yousuf, Topu Barman, Shakil Ahad Topu, Saad Uddin, Rahmat Mia, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed.

Midfielders: SM Monjurur Rahman, Jamal Bhuiyan, Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Mohammad Hridoy, Minhazul Karim Shadin, Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome.

Forwards: Fahamedul Islam, Sheikh Morsalin, Rakib Hossain, Farhaan Ali Wahid, Shuki Itofusa.