The ranking gap reflected on the pitch too; Bangladesh lost 3–0 to Malaysia.

There is a 45-place gap between the two teams in the FIFA rankings, and that disparity was clearly reflected on the pitch. Making their debut in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, Bangladesh lost 3–0 to Malaysia in their opening match.

Malaysia secured the victory by maintaining complete control over the game at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. They took the lead with two goals in the first half. After the break, the Southeast Asian side found the net once more to seal a 3–0 win.

Two goals conceded in the first half; Bangladesh under pressure

Malaysia played attacking football right from the start, keeping the Bangladeshi defense busy with wave after wave of attacks. In contrast, Bangladesh struggled to retain possession in midfield or mount any threatening attacks.

Bangladesh conceded two goals in the first half alone, leaving the 'Red and Green' team trailing by a significant margin before the break.

Although Bangladesh attempted to stage a comeback in the second half, they failed to breach the Malaysian defense. Instead, Malaysia maintained control of the game and scored a third goal. Ultimately, Malaysia walked off the pitch with a 3–0 victory.

A reflection of the ranking gap

Heading into the match, Malaysia sat at 136th place in the FIFA rankings, while Bangladesh was at 181st—a difference of 45 places. Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley had also acknowledged prior to the match that their group opponents, including Malaysia, were stronger sides.

This match held particular significance for Bangladesh as it marked their debut in the new FIFA ASEAN Cup. They have been drawn in Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and hosts Indonesia.

For Malaysia, the match also offered a chance to break their recent goal drought. There had been questions regarding their attack leading up to the game, but by scoring three times against Bangladesh, they have temporarily alleviated that pressure. Singapore Next, Then Indonesia

Having started their ASEAN Cup campaign with a 3–0 defeat, the upcoming matches have become even more crucial for Bangladesh. In the group stage, Bangladesh’s next match is against Singapore on September 28. They will then play their final group match against hosts Indonesia on October 1. Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

For Bangladesh coach Dooley, this tournament also serves as preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship in November. Consequently, following the loss to Malaysia, the team's primary objectives will be to minimize defensive errors, improve ball control in midfield, and create effective scoring opportunities in the attack.

Bangladesh 0–3 Malaysia—despite the heavy defeat in their opening match, two group games still remain. The 'Red and Greens' will have the opportunity to bounce back in the match against Singapore.