U17 WAC Q: Malaysia open winning start over Syria 1-0

Malaysia's U-17 women's national team opened their AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 qualifying campaign on a winning note after edging Syria 1-0 at Stadium MP Selayang on Monday, with substitutes Lim You and Qaseh Riana combining to produce the decisive moment.

After dominating much of the contest without finding a breakthrough, Malaysia finally broke Syria's resistance in the 80th minute, when Qaseh Riana converted from a superb cross delivered by Lim You.

The two youngsters had started the match on the bench but made an immediate impact after being introduced, with their combination eventually deciding a tightly contested encounter.

Malaysia began the match on the front foot, with the Malayan Tigress creating several dangerous attacks and putting the Syrian defence under sustained pressure.

Nur Ain Qaisara started in goal for Malaysia, while Nur Qistina wore the captain's armband. Highly rated youngster Lim You was initially kept in reserve.

Syria, meanwhile, relied on Media Housain as their goalkeeper, with Tasneem Alktaish providing the main attacking threat.

Despite Malaysia's attacking intent, Syria's defensive structure remained disciplined and successfully frustrated the home side.

By the 35th minute, neither team had managed to break the deadlock, although both sides had produced powerful attempts on goal.

Syria came closest towards the end of the first half when their key attacker unleashed a strong effort, but Nur Ain Qaisara produced an important save to keep Malaysia level.

Malaysia continued to press after the interval, repeatedly searching for the opening goal.

The Malayan Tigress maintained their attacking momentum, but Syria continued to absorb the pressure and prevent Malaysia from turning possession and chances into goals.

The visitors also showed composure despite playing away from home, successfully resisting Malaysia's attacks and the support generated by the home crowd.

With the match heading towards its closing stages, Malaysia's patience was finally rewarded.

The breakthrough arrived in the 80th minute.

Lim You delivered a beautifully weighted cross into the danger area, allowing fellow substitute Qaseh Riana to finish and give Malaysia a crucial 1-0 lead.

The goal was the product of two substitutes making their presence felt at exactly the right moment.

Qaseh's finish gave Malaysia the reward their sustained pressure had demanded, while Lim You's delivery underlined the attacking influence she provided after entering the game.

Syria were unable to respond before the final whistle, leaving Malaysia to celebrate a valuable 1-0 victory in their opening qualifier.

Credit Photo : Simon Yap/SNE-Photo