KUALA LUMPUR − As expected, the Malaysian women’s football squad beat Palestine 2-0 to wind up their campaign in Group H of the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Jerusalem yesterday.
After a disappointing 0-4 loss to Thailand in their opening match on Sunday, the squad led by chief coach, Jacob Joseph, gave a spirited display against Palestine in the first half but failed to score.
After the interval, the Malaysians continued to go in search of goals before Andrea Lee finally brought cheer to the national camp by putting them into the lead in the 57th minute.
Andrea easily tapped the ball past goalkeeper, Nadin Elias, after capitalising on a mistake by the Palestine defence in trying to clear the ball from the penalty box.
Malaysia was presented with a chance to increase the lead in the 64th minute but this time Nadin pulled off a brilliant save to prevent substitute, Nur Farishah Erinna Hisham’s close-range shot from hitting the net.
Malaysia kept up the pressure to score through skipper, Steffi Sarge Singh, when she converted a freekick in the 82nd minute to give Malaysia victory and somewhat eased their pain of losing in the first match.
Palestine had a golden chance to score a consolation goal in second-half injury time but goalkeeper, Nurul Azurin Mazlan, managed to catch the header by captain, Caroline Sohgian.
Malaysia, ranked 92nd in the world, are in second spot in the group on equal three points with leaders, Thailand (World No. 39), who will play Palestine (World No. 120) in the final Group H match on Saturday.
Only the group champions qualify to the final round of the Women’s Asian Cup to be held in January next year in India. – Bernama, September 23, 2021
