Trailing 0-2 at half-time following a first-half brace by Malaysian forward Arif Aiman (18', 38') capitalized on defensive errors by Topu Barman, Bangladesh attempted to mount a comeback in the second half. However, any hopes of a turnaround were dashed in the 52nd minute when Brazil-born Malaysian striker Bergson Gustavo received a cross from the right flank and struck a low shot past Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon to extend Malaysia's lead to 3-0. Thomas Dooley's side created a golden scoring opportunity in the 76th minute when Hamza Choudhury broke through the defense into a one-on-one situation, but his consecutive attempts were denied by the Malaysian goalkeeper. Unable to convert their chances, Bangladesh succumbed to a comprehensive 0-3 loss in their opening Group A fixture.