KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's quest for an historic berth at the 2027 Under-17 women's Asian Cup finals in China came to an end on Sunday after a 4-0 defeat to India in a Group E match at Selayang Stadium.
Entering the final group tie level on six points with the Young Tigresses, India held the upper hand, courtesy of a superior goal difference (+16 to Malaysia's +5). Malaysia had earlier defeated Syria 1-0 and Iraq 4-0 in group matches.
India drew first blood in the 28th minute through midfielder Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, and struck a second blow just five minutes into the restart. Substitute Pritika Barman beat Malaysia custodian Putri Aina Husna Mohd Subri with a right-footed finish.
Any lingering hopes of a Malaysian comeback were extinguished six minutes later when India's Anushka Kumari hammered home a spectacular long-range drive in the 56th minute.
In the 87th minute, substitute Nidhi Pawan Kumar produced a dazzling solo effort, weaving past two Malaysian defenders before rounding Putri Aina to slot home the fourth goal into an empty net.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd