Singapore secured their first victory of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 with a 1-0 win over Bangladesh at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Harhys Stewart scored the only goal in the 35th minute, while Bangladesh were unable to find an equaliser despite a stronger performance after their opening defeat to Malaysia.
Singapore held on for a narrow 1-0 victory over Bangladesh on September 28, keeping their hopes of progressing from Group A alive in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup.
The match was played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, where Singapore entered the game looking to recover from a 2-0 defeat to Indonesia in their opening group match. Bangladesh were also searching for their first points after losing 3-0 to Malaysia.
Stewart's Header Decides the Match
Bangladesh started brightly and applied pressure during the opening stages, but Singapore gradually grew into the match. The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute when Nur Adam Abdullah delivered a cross into the area and Harhys Stewart rose to head the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal gave Singapore control of the contest and forced Bangladesh to chase the game. Singapore came close to extending their advantage shortly after taking the lead, with one effort striking the crossbar.
Bangladesh Show More Fight
Bangladesh produced a more disciplined display than in their opening match against Malaysia. Coach Thomas Dooley made changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan and defender Zidane Yousuf.
The changes helped Bangladesh compete more effectively, particularly in defensive areas. After going behind, however, they struggled to turn their pressure into a decisive finish.
Bangladesh continued to search for an equaliser in the second half, while Hamza Choudhury was pushed further forward as the team attempted to create a late breakthrough. Singapore's defence ultimately held firm.
Singapore Keep Their Qualification Hopes Alive
The victory moved Singapore onto three points from two Group A matches. After losing their opening game to Indonesia, the result gives the Lions a chance to continue their campaign when they face Malaysia in their final group match.
Singapore now need a positive result against Malaysia on October 1 to keep their hopes of advancing alive. Bangladesh, meanwhile, have lost both of their opening matches and have been eliminated from contention for the next stage.
What Comes Next
Bangladesh will face hosts Indonesia in their final Group A match on October 1 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Singapore will meet Malaysia on the same day in Bandung.
For Singapore, the focus will now turn to Malaysia and the possibility of reaching the later stages of the first FIFA ASEAN Cup. For Bangladesh, the final group match provides an opportunity to finish the tournament with a strong performance against the hosts.
Conclusion
Singapore defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in a closely contested FIFA ASEAN Cup Group A match, with Harhys Stewart's first-half header proving decisive. Bangladesh improved considerably from their opening defeat but could not find the goal needed to rescue a point.
The result keeps Singapore's campaign alive, while Bangladesh will now look to their final meeting with Indonesia as they bring their tournament campaign to a close.
