Harimau Malaya Warned Against Underestimating Bangladesh Ahead of ASEAN Cup Opener

Harimau Malaya have been warned not to underestimate Bangladesh as Malaysia prepare to begin their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 campaign in Indonesia.

Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe said the national team cannot afford to focus only on bigger names in the group, stressing that the opening match against Bangladesh will be just as important as the clashes against Indonesia and Singapore.

Malaysia will kick off their Group A campaign against Bangladesh on 25 September at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Cheng Hoe believes every match in the group will be highly competitive, describing the battle as a series of “50-50” contests in which focus and discipline will be crucial.

With only the group winners advancing directly to the final, Malaysia know there is little room for error if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.

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