Malayan Tigress U17 miss out on AFC Women's Asian Cup as India win 4-0 in Selayang decider to top Group E

Malaysia's bid to reach the 2027 AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup ended on Sunday, 11 October, when India won the Group E decider 4-0 at MP Selayang Stadium. Both sides went into the final round of qualifiers with two wins from two, but goals from Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Pritika Barman, Anushka Kumari and Nidhi sent India's Young Tigresses through to the finals in China and left the hosts in second place. This follows the Malayan Tigress U17's 4-0 win over Iraq, which had set up the decider.

How the decider unfolded

Rain before kick-off left a heavy pitch at Selayang, and Malaysia held firm for most of the first half, with goalkeeper Putri Aina Husna Mohd Subri making several important early saves. India broke through shortly before the half-hour when Redima Devi Chingkhamayum scored from long range.

The visitors pulled away after the break. Pritika Barman doubled the lead early in the second half, and Anushka Kumari added a third a few minutes later with a shot from outside the box. Nidhi completed the scoring late on. Match reports differ by a minute or two on when some of the goals went in, but all agree on the 4-0 scoreline and the four scorers.

How Group E finished

The result confirmed India as group winners with a perfect record: nine points, 20 goals scored and none conceded. They opened with a 14-0 win over Iraq and beat Syria 2-0 before Sunday's win. Anushka Kumari was again a key figure, having already scored seven goals in the first two matches.

Malaysia finish second on six points after beating Syria 1-0 and Iraq 4-0. Under the qualifying format, only group winners earn a place at the finals, so second place is not enough.

India, coached by Joakim Alexandersson, have now qualified for back-to-back editions of the tournament.

The finals in China

The 2027 AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup is scheduled for 31 March to 17 April 2027 in China. The eight qualifying group winners will join four teams already assured of their places: defending champions North Korea, Japan, Australia and hosts China.

Reaction in Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the squad's fighting spirit in a Facebook post after the match, saying their effort and courage deserved recognition and urging the players to come back stronger. Malaysian coverage, including Bernama and Stadium Astro, described the campaign as valuable experience for a young group, with two wins and a clean sheet against Iraq to build on.

For Malaysian women's football, the campaign still produced positives: home wins over Syria and Iraq, and a competitive first half against one of the stronger sides in the region.

Key takeaways

• India beat Malaysia 4-0 at MP Selayang Stadium on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
• Scorers: Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Pritika Barman, Anushka Kumari and Nidhi.
• India won Group E with nine points and a 20-0 goal record; Malaysia finished second with six points.
• Only group winners qualify, so Malaysia miss the 2027 finals in China (31 March to 17 April 2027).

FAQ

What was the result of Malaysia vs India in the U17 women's qualifiers? India won 4-0 at MP Selayang Stadium on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

Did Malaysia qualify for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2027? No. Malaysia finished second in Group E on six points, and only the group winners advance to the finals.

When and where is the 2027 AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup? It will be held in China from 31 March to 17 April 2027.

Sources: Bernama, All India Football Federation, Stadium Astro, India Sports Hub, UNI