Bangladesh trail Malaysia 2-0 at half-time in their FIFA ASEAN Cup group-stage opener after a disjointed first-half display allowed Arif Aiman to score twice.
Malaysia, ranked 136th in the FIFA rankings, controlled the opening stages with quick and attacking football, while Bangladesh struggled to establish any rhythm.
Malaysia created the first serious chance in the fourth minute when an attacker struck towards goal from a corner. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon managed to get a touch and divert the ball away.
The pressure continued as Malaysia repeatedly attacked and forced Bangladesh’s defence to concentrate on containing their forward players.
Bangladesh finally conceded in the 18th minute. Arif Aiman collected a pass from midfield, entered the box and calmly touched the ball past Srabon to put Malaysia ahead.
Bangladesh could not settle after falling behind, while Malaysia continued to threaten with their pace and attacking movement.
The second goal arrived in the 38th minute after a mistake from Shakil Ahad Topu. A misplaced pass fell to Arif Aiman, and the Malaysian forward took full advantage by scoring his second goal of the match.
The goal doubled Malaysia’s advantage and left Bangladesh facing a difficult task before half-time.
Malaysia went into the break 2-0 ahead after a first half in which Bangladesh struggled to match their opponents’ organisation, pace and attacking intensity.
