Malaysia’s U-17 Side Beaten 2-0 by Palestine in Asian Cup Qualifier Opener

Malaysia’s 2027 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifying campaign began on a sour note on 8 November when the national Under-16 side fell 2-0 to Palestine in their opening Group E fixture at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras.

Palestine took the lead in the 17th minute through Yazan Khalifah, who met a teammate’s free-kick inside the penalty box to put his side ahead. Muhammad Shukor Adan’s charges pressed for an equaliser in the remainder of the first half but were unable to convert their attempts on goal.

Palestinian Defensive Lapse Punishes Malaysia Early in Second Half

Palestine extended their advantage seven minutes into the second half when Yousef Bustami exploited a defensive error to double the lead for Mohammad Yousef Mohammad Sharbaji’s side, putting the result largely beyond Malaysia’s reach.

Late in the match, Malaysia were awarded a penalty that offered a route back into the contest. However, Ahmad Aidil Mukhridz Ahmad Ridzalman’s spot-kick was saved by the Palestinian goalkeeper. Mohamad Fazryel Ashraf Zefri reacted to the rebound and appeared to have pulled one back, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Singapore Level on Points After Defeating Guam

The result leaves Palestine on three points from their opening match. They are level at the top of Group E with Singapore, who claimed a victory over Guam in the other fixture played on the same evening.