JAKARTA, Sept 25 — Harimau Malaya interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe is pleased with work-in-progress Malaysia’s 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 1 Group A opener at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium today.
He also praised his men for the way they adapted to the afternoon kick-off, which he said made the match physically demanding.
Tan admitted they are still working to build better understanding and cohesion, while acknowledging there is room for improvement.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate our players on the win over Bangladesh. We knew it was not going to be an easy game...playing at 4pm (local time).
“Definitely, as a coach, I am very pleased with the result. Hopefully, we can maintain this good momentum. At the same time, we are in the process of building the team, getting the players together, playing as a unit, and developing a good understanding,” he said during a post-match media conference today.
While encouraged by Malaysia's control when in possession and their attacking play, Tan was quick to single out transitions as an area that still needed sharpening.
The 56-year-old admitted his charges gave the ball away too cheaply at times, though he was generally pleased with their overall display en route to securing all three points.
“There are certain areas the team needs to improve, especially in transition, because sometimes we lose the ball too easily.
“But I am very happy with the way we played, kept the ball and scored the goals. The first game is always tough, and we got a good start, a good result,” he said.
Malaysia secured the 3-0 victory through a brace from Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and a goal from debutant Bergson da Silva.
They will next face hosts Indonesia on Monday (September 28) before taking on Singapore in their final group match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Thursday (October 1).
