Bangladesh fell 3-0 to Vietnam in friendly, preparing for AFC Asian Cup qualifier versus Singapore. Photo : BSS

Dhaka, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh suffered a 3-0 defeat to upper-ranked Vietnam in the FIFA international friendly match held at H ng Day Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam today (Thursday).

The friendly match against Vietnam was organized as a part of preparation ahead of the final AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on March 31.

From the outset, Vietnam looked sharp, hungry and in complete control taking a 3-0 lead at the breather and they maintained the lead till the final whistle.

The early breakthrough came in the 8th minute through a set piece situation with Pham Tuan Hai gave Vietnam a deserving lead as the ball deflected off Zayyan Ahmed into the net..

Vietnam again came close to scoring in the 17th minute. Nguyen Hoang Duc took a shot on the volley - another chance from a set piece but this time, Mehedi Srabon made a good save to deny a certain second goal.

However, Vietnam scored another goal from a set piece in the 18th minute with Pham Xuan Manh doubling the lead with a header from close range completely beating custodian Srabon.

Nguyen Hai Long made the score line 3-0 for Vietnam in the 38th minute. Entering the D-box, he sent the ball home from the bottom of the righter corner with a perfect shot after dodging past two defenders.

Bangladesh could not exert any influence on the hosts in the first half. A volley from Foysal Ahmed Fahim was saved by the Vietnamese goalkeeper Dan Van Lam diving his left while Sohel Rana's well-judge shot went over the crossbar.

After the resumption, Bangladesh fought back strongly and did not give Vietnam any space or room to increase further lead, keeping their tent unhurt.   

Earlier, coach Javier Cabrera, ending all the doubt, kept Hamza Choudhury in the playing eleven against Vietnam.

The coach has kept his faith on custodian Mehedi Hasan Srabon under the bar.

Sohel Rana captained the day's encounter in replace of regular captain Jamal Bhuyan.

Fahamidul, who was unable to play in the previous match due to card problem, has returned to the squad. Shamit Shom and Zayyan Ahmed led the front.