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The Star
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Strong start as Tigress edge Palestine at Asian Cup qualifiers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women's football team made a roaring start to their 2026 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, edging Palestine 1-0 in a gritty Group H opener at the Pamir Central Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Sunday. Farahiyah Ridzuan emerged the match-winner with a clinical strike in the 85th minute but it was goalkeeper Nurul Azurin Mazlan who stood tall as Malaysia's rock at the back. Azurin, who plays for Kosovo club KFF Vllaznia, delivered a standout performance between the posts, pulling off a crucial penalty save in the 25th minute and winning multiple one-on-one battles to keep the Malaysians in the game. Top form: Malaysian Tigress celebrating after beating Palestine during the Asian Cup qualifying Group H opener in Tajikistan. — FAM Her commanding presence ensured the Malaysian Tigress had a fighting chance and Farahiyah seized the moment late on to seal all three points. 'This is our first three points in the qualifiers and it's a huge boost,' said Azurin. 'We didn't start well, the first half was shaky but in the second half, we found our rhythm. Everyone gave 100%, and the result went our way.' Coach Joel Cornelli praised the team's resilience and defensive structure, particularly against a Palestine side that belied their lower world ranking with a spirited display. In the world rankings, Malaysia are ranked world No. 102 while Palestine are No. 134. 'It was a tough match. Palestine may be ranked below us but they've pushed strong teams before,' said the Brazilian tactician. 'I'm pleased with how we organised ourselves defensively and closed out the match. 'We pressed high and that sometimes leaves gaps but it's something we'll work on ahead of the next game.' Malaysia will now shift their focus to hosts Tajikistan while Palestine face a stern test against tournament favourites North Korea. Both matches are scheduled for tomorrow.
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malayan Tigress defeat Palestine 1-0
KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Tigress started their Asian Cup qualifying campaign in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, with a roar on Sunday. The national women's football team defeated Palestine 1-0 in their Group H opener with the winner coming from Farahiyah Ridzuan in the 86th minute at the Republican Central Stadium. Malaysia started brightly with early chances from Nurfazira Sani and Intan Sarah Anisah, but their goal attempts went wide. Malaysia goalkeeper Nurul Azurin played a heroic role too, pulling off a brilliant one-handed save to deny a penalty shot by Dima Alrumhi in the 25th minute. Nurfazira had earlier fouled Nadine Mohamad in the box. "It was a difficult game because we know Palestine are better than what their ranking suggests. We saw them beat Saudi Arabia, and they have strong players, so we had to be cautious. "We were organised defensively, and our style is to press all the time. That can leave us exposed at times, but overall, we deserved the win," said Malayan Tigress head coach Joel Cornelli. Azurin, who was named Woman of the Match, said: "We took some time to settle down. In the second half, we rose to the occasion and played our game. These three points will give us motivation for the next match." Malaysia will face hosts Tajikistan in their next group match on Thursday before taking on favourites North Korea three days later. North Korea thrashed Tajikistan 10-0 on Sunday. Only the group winners will advance to the Asian Cup tournament proper in Australia. Malaysia last featured in the women's Asian Cup in 2001, and exited at the group stage without registering a single point.
