Bangladesh make flying start with 5-0 win

Bangladesh made a commanding start to their AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over Timor-Leste in their opening Group A match in China on Saturday. Bangladesh took just 11 minutes to break the deadlock. Mohammad Manik, operating brilliantly down the left flank, delivered a superb cross into the box, where Rifat Kazi rose highest to head home the opener. The early goal set the tone for a one-sided contest, with Bangladesh maintaining sustained pressure on Timor-Leste's defence. The second goal came in the 28th minute. After Bangladesh won a free-kick in a promising position, captain Nazmul Huda Faysal floated in a measured delivery, which Manik met with a composed left-footed strike to double the lead. Manik struck again just before half-time to make it 3-0. With the Timor-Leste box crowded with defenders, he seized upon a loose ball and drove home a direct effort in the 43rd minute, giving Bangladesh a comfortable cushion heading into the break. Bangladesh resumed the second half with the same attacking intent. Four minutes after restart, Azam Khan released a well-timed pass to Bayezid Bostami, who controlled neatly before finishing confidently past the keeper to extend the margin to 4-0. The team continued to create chances throughout the match, with several efforts narrowly missing the target – and a few striking the woodwork – as they kept Timor-Leste under constant pressure. The final flourish came late, in the 88th minute. Substitute Akash Ahmed unleashed a breathtaking long-range strike that sailed into the net, sealing a dominant 5-0 win and putting the perfect finishing touch on Bangladesh's opening performance.