Bangladesh made a convincing start to their Men's U-18 Asia Cup campaign in Japan, defeating a strong Malaysia side 4-2 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara on Saturday.

Bangladesh took the lead in the ninth minute when Munna Islam converted a penalty stroke. Ismail Islam doubled the advantage four minutes later by successfully converting a penalty corner.

Malaysia pulled one back on the stroke of halftime through Yogeswaran Nagulan, who scored from open play in the 30th minute. However, Munna restored Bangladesh's two-goal cushion in the 40th minute, converting a penalty stroke to make it 3-1.

Malaysia again reduced the deficit when Ariq Aidil Hakimi scored from a penalty in the 50th minute, setting up a tense finish. But Joy Islam sealed Bangladesh's victory in their opening match with a field goal three minutes before the final whistle, ensuring a 4-2 triumph.