Bangladesh made a dismal start in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, losing to hosts Vietnam 2-0 in their Group C match at the Viet Tri Stadium in Vietnam on Wednesday.
Bangladesh, who could never overcome the group-stage hurdles in the qualifiers in their previous six attempts since 2013, conceded the goals in either half of the game.
Vietnam forward Nguyen Ngoc My gave his side the lead in the 15th minute before super-sub midfielder Le Viktor settled the scoreline seven minutes from the stipulated time.
Earlier, in the day鈥檚 other game from this group, Yemen defeated Singapore 2-1 at the same venue.
Now, Bangladesh will need to defeat Yemen in Saturday鈥檚 match to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the next round before they play Singapore in their final game on September 9.
In the day鈥檚 match, Bangladesh faced Vietnam鈥檚 aggression from the start, with Nguyen Phi Hoang鈥檚 low shot from distance bouncing off the post in the 10th minute.
But five minutes later, Nguyen Dinh Bac played a delightful through ball for My to bend a shot past Bangladesh keeper Mehdi Srabon for the opening goal.
Bangladesh relied on set pieces to make a turnaround in the game, as captain Shekh Morsalin鈥檚 fierce shot from 25 yards out was punched into safety by Vietnam keeper Tran Trung Kien in the 35th minute.
Vietnam continued to pile pressure on Bangladesh after the break as Srabon saved a shot from Le Viktor.
Le, however, got the goal to settle the contest in the 83rd minute, nodding home from close range following Ly Duc鈥檚 pass.
A total of 44 teams are competing in the qualifiers, with 11 group champions and four best runners-up joining hosts Saudi Arabia in the finals in January 2026.
