Latest news with #SoleenAl-Zoubi
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Soleen hails Young Tigresses' fight after bruising qualifiers
KUALA LUMPUR: Soleen Al-Zoubi, the FA of Malaysia's (FAM) women's football technical director, has defended the Young Tigresses after a bruising Under-20 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, insisting the players "gave it everything" despite being outgunned by Asia's elite. Malaysia opened their Group F fixtures with a 3-0 loss to Iran before being thrashed 16-0 by reigning champions Japan. They ended on a high on Sunday, beating Guam 2-0 at the KLFA Stadium thanks to a brace from Kaseh Carlmila. "It was a challenging tournament," said Soleen. "We lost several key players to injuries and school exams, and many in this squad had limited game time in the National Women's League. That affected our cohesion and readiness. But despite it all, they gave it everything." Malaysia pressed with urgency and fought for every ball against Guam, with Kaseh's goals coming from slick team play rather than individual brilliance — a quality Soleen was quick to highlight. For her, the qualifiers were "a mirror" revealing both promise and glaring gaps. "This shows there's still plenty to be done at development level. We're already planning an Under-18 league to give these players regular competitive football. It's a key step forward," she said. Head coach Cameron Ng admitted the campaign had been both "humbling and motivating." "Against Japan, it was women versus girls. It hurts to lose like that, but without facing teams like them, we'll never know how far behind we are," he said. "No matter the scoreline, these girls fought. For many, this is the platform to step up to the senior team." Guam coach Kim Sherman, whose squad had been assembled just over a week before the tournament, praised her side's discipline and fight. "There was a moment the game could have gone either way. But I'm proud of the chances we created," she said.
New Straits Times
08-08-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Young Tigress fancy their chances
KUALA LUMPUR: It's a grouping that won't draw a grimace from the Malaysians. The Young Tigress believe they can make it to the Under-17 women's Asian Cup in China next year after being drawn with the Philippines, Syria and hosts Tajikistan in Group A of the qualifiers on Oct 13-17. National women's football technical director Soleen Al-Zoubi believes the draw presents a realistic opportunity for Malaysia to qualify for the tournament proper for the first time. "I would say the draw is not too strong and not easy as well. Playing in Tajikistan is good because we are familiar with Tajikistan since they also hosted the senior qualifiers and our group was there," she said. "Our team have talents, but we also need to prepare well for this tournament." Soleen hopes the Malaysia team are now more mature after their players competed in the Puteri League in recent years. The squad will also compete as the Young Tigress in the upcoming National Women's League. "Our goal is to qualify for the Asian Cup. I wouldn't say it's difficult. Of course, it's not easy, but we need to set the mindset of the girls that this is our target." Meanwhile in the Under-17 men's Asian Cup qualifier (Nov 22-30), Malaysia have been drawn in a tough Group C with hosts Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and Northern Mariana Islands.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
A Brazilian touch for Malayan Tigress
KUALA LUMPUR: A Brazilian man has replaced a Jordanian woman as coach of the Malayan Tigress. Joel Cornelli has been appointed as the new head coach of the national women's football team. He replaced Soleen Al-Zoubi, who has now been reassigned as women's football technical director. Cornelli has over two decades of experience in coaching, including with several professional clubs and development programmes in South America and Asia. "I am deeply touched and honoured to be entrusted with leading the Malayan Tigress. I see a lot of potential among Malaysian women's players, and I am committed to building a team that is not only competitive in Southeast Asia but also capable of challenging on the Asian stage. "My focus is to build a strong foundation and instil a professional football culture within this squad," he said. The Malayan Tigress are scheduled to begin their first centralised training camp for the year this month and will play international matches against Bhutan and Hong Kong in Nepal before competing in the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan in June.
