Arif Aiman Hanapi was the star as Malaysia opened their FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Bangladesh in Jakarta.
The JDT winger struck twice in the first half, scoring in the 18th and 37th minutes to give Harimau Malaya a 2-0 lead at the break. Bergson da Silva then marked his international debut with Malaysia’s third in the 52nd minute.
Malaysia controlled the game with 60% possession and seven shots on target, while Haziq Nadzli produced an important double save to preserve the clean sheet.
It is the perfect start for Tan Cheng Hoe’s side, but the real test comes next as Malaysia face hosts Indonesia on Monday.
