KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia started their Under-23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Bangladesh in Wednesday's Group H opener.
After a toothless display in the first half, the Young Tigers came alive in the second half with goals from Aliff Izwan Yuslan (81st minute) and Fergus Tierney (90th + 4) at the Chonburi Stadium on Wednesday.
E. Elavarasan's men controlled the first half but could score against a defensive Bangladesh.
Aliff, however, broke the deadlock with a long-range effort, beating Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehdi Hassan Srabon.
Substitute Tierney confirmed the win over Bangladesh with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Malaysia will next take on the Philippines at the same venue on Saturday.