Malaysia U16 women’s national team kicked off their ASEAN U16 Women’s Championship 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion after dismantling Timor Leste 6-1 in their opening Group A clash at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta.
Placed in Group A alongside Timor Leste and hosts Indonesia, Malaysia entered the tournament with their sights firmly set on securing a semi-final berth.
Timor Leste, who had suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Indonesia in their opening match on August 20, were determined to avoid a similar fate against Malaysia. However, those hopes quickly unraveled when Leila Chua’s charges took the lead in the 16th minute through Qistina Fais.
The early breakthrough forced Timor Leste to retreat deep into their own half in an attempt to contain Malaysia’s attacks. The scoreline held at 1-0 until halftime.
After the restart, Malaysia doubled their advantage in the 49th minute courtesy of Ummairah Soberi, before Nur Laila Syamila A. Rahim stole the spotlight with a sensational quick-fire hat-trick, netting in the 59th, 66th, and 67th minutes.
Timor Leste managed a consolation goal through Leliana Lopes in the 79th minute, but Malaysia restored their five-goal cushion when Putri Mia Alysa Ahmad Zakiyamani struck in the 83rd minute to seal a commanding 6-1 victory.
The result confirmed Timor Leste’s elimination from the tournament, while Malaysia set up a crucial group-deciding clash against hosts Indonesia on August 24 to determine the Group A winners.
Credit Photo : FAM
