Latest news with #YoungTigress
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia lose 16-0 to Japan in football
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Under-20 Women's Asian Cup qualifying campaign came to an embarrassing end after suffering a 16-0 defeat to reigning champions Japan in their Group F match at the KLFA Stadium on Friday. It was one of the most lopsided results in recent tournament history as the Young Tigress were completely outplayed in every department, conceding once every six minutes on average. Japan made their intentions clear from the start, with Anon Tsuda opening the scoring in the fourth minute after finishing off a low cross from the right. Mao Itamura doubled the lead in the 14th minute after finding herself unmarked in the box, and two minutes later, she added her second with another easy finish as Malaysia's defence failed to reorganise. Tsuda showed her class again in the 23rd minute, beating five defenders before coolly slotting home, and completed her hat-trick on the half-hour mark with a simple left-foot tap-in. Itamura then completed her own treble in the 34th minute, extending Japan's lead to 6-0. Asako Furuta got on the scoresheet in first-half added time, sidestepping Malaysia's backline to make it 7-0 at the break. But Japan weren't done. Just 30 seconds after the restart, Furuta capitalised on a defensive lapse to add her second. Kojima joined the act in the 53rd minute with a composed finish, before scoring again six minutes later. Tsuda returned to the spotlight with her fourth goal in the 60th minute as Japan hit double digits, and Sawa Tsuge made it 12-0 just four minutes later with a header. Yuka Kurimoto struck twice in the 69th and 78th minutes, punishing Malaysia's tired legs and static defending. Kojima completed her hat-trick in the 89th minute, and deep into stoppage time, Furuta added her third and Japan's 16th with a close-range finish, sealing the rout. The defeat leaves Malaysia with two losses, having earlier gone down 0-3 to Iran, and a staggering 19 goals conceded without reply in the tournament so far.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- 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
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Iran crush Malaysia in Under-20 women's Asian Cup opener
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia began their Under-20 women's Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-0 loss to Iran at the KLFA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Iran hit Malaysia with goals from Maryam Dini (13th and 27th minutes and Asal Ghajarian (90th+1) in the Group F match. The Young Tigress lacked bite upfront and even missed a penalty kick by Tegen Butler in the 49th minute. Malaysia coach Cameron Ng said the team executed their game plan well, but could not convert the chances. "I could not fault the girls for sticking to the tactics, giving their 100 per cent. Of course we made mistakes, football is all about mistakes and how we improve the mistakes. "We didn't take our chances and Iran deserved the win," Cameron said. In an earlier Group F match, Japan whipped Guam 5-0 at the same venue. Malaysia will play heavyweights Japan at the same venue on Friday before wrapping up their group stage against Guam on Sunday.
