Bangladesh face Malaysia in FIFA ASEAN Cup opener

Bangladesh will begin their campaign in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup against Malaysia on 25 September, with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirming the schedule for the tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, while Group B comprises Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Pakistan. The Premier Division tournament is scheduled for 24 September to 4 October.

The opening fixture against Malaysia will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 25 September. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm Jakarta time (Bangladesh time is 2:00pm). The Tigers will then face Singapore at the same venue on 28 September. 
Bangladesh will round off their group-stage campaign against Indonesia on 1 October. 

The FIFA ASEAN Cup marks a new chapter in regional international football. Bangladesh were invited to replace India after the latter withdrew from the competition, and the BFF accepted FIFA's invitation.

Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley has already begun preparations, with the federation naming a 28-member preliminary squad for the tournament. The residential camp started in Dhaka on 27 August.