Malaysia Women’s National Team earned full 6 points from 2 matches after beating Tajikistan Women’s National Team scoring 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers Group H at Pamir Stadium, Dushanbe.
Fresh off a confidence-boosting win against Palestine in their opening match, the Malayan Tigress stepped onto the pitch with the mission of sealing their second win and keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Their opponents, Tajikistan, were desperate to bounce back after a crushing 0-10 loss to North Korea in their first outing.
Head coach Joel Cornelli made minimal changes to his lineup, retaining key players Steffi Sarge, Ainsyah Murad, and Azurin Mazlan in the starting eleven. Both teams battled evenly in the opening stages, with possession and attacking opportunities split fairly down both flanks.
Malaysia came close to breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute when Nur Fazira Sani unleashed a powerful left-footed strike, only for the ball to rattle the post—agonisingly close to a dream start.
Tajikistan, backed by their home crowd, applied pressure in spells, but goalkeeper Azurin Mazlan stood tall, producing key saves to deny the hosts a breakthrough.
The first half ended with the score still level at 0-0.
After the break, the Malayan Tigress upped their tempo in search of a decisive goal. Nur Adrienna Zamzaihiri was a constant threat down the flanks, troubling the Tajik defence with her pace and direct runs.
Sensing the need for fresh energy, Cornelli introduced Farahiyah Ridzuan late in the match to bolster the attack. The move proved pivotal.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, substitute Henrietta Justine rose to the occasion, meeting a pinpoint cross from Intan Sarah with a clinical header that finally beat the Tajik keeper — sending Malaysian players and fans into wild celebrations.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 win for Malaysia, earning them six points from two games and maintaining their perfect record in the group.
Despite the win, Malaysia now face their toughest challenge yet — a must-win clash against world No. 9-ranked North Korea in their final Group H match.
Credit Photo : FAM
