Selayang (Malaysia), Oct 10 (PTI) Malaysia stand in the way of India securing a second consecutive appearance at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup as the Young Tigresses prepare for a winner-takes-all Group E qualifier against the hosts here on Sunday.

Both sides have collected six points from their opening two matches, winning both games without conceding. India, however, have a significant advantage in goal difference, having scored 16 goals compared to Malaysia’s five.

Joakim Alexandersson’s team will qualify as group winners if they avoid defeat. A draw would leave the sides level on points and head-to-head record, but India’s superior goal difference would keep them at the top. Malaysia, meanwhile, need a victory to overtake India and secure the group’s only qualifying berth.

Only the eight group winners from the qualifiers will progress to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027, where they will join defending champions DPR Korea, Japan, Australia and hosts China, who secured direct entry after finishing in the top four at the 2026 edition.

India reached the quarter-finals of the previous edition, marking their first-ever appearance in the knockout stage. A win or draw on Sunday would secure another milestone, making them the first Indian team to qualify for consecutive Women’s Asian Cups in any age category, including the senior level.

Alexandersson wants India to maintain attacking intent

Despite needing only a draw, head coach Alexandersson has made it clear that India will not adopt a defensive approach solely to protect their position, insisting that his young side will aim for victory.

“We have to go into the game trying to win. With young players, it is difficult to tell them that a draw will be enough. We will try to win the game, but at the same time, we have to attack with a little more sense and find the right balance,” he said.

India have taken contrasting routes to their two victories. They opened their campaign with a record 14-0 thrashing of Iraq, the biggest-ever win by an Indian U17 women’s team, before facing a sterner challenge against Syria, whom they defeated 2-0 on Thursday.

Malaysia began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Syria before recording a more convincing 4-0 win against Iraq.

Anushka Kumari leads India’s goal-scoring charge

Forward Anushka Kumari has been central to India’s attacking success, scoring five goals against Iraq before finding the net twice against Syria. Her seven goals account for nearly half of India’s total of 16 in the qualifiers.

The 15-year-old, however, was quick to credit her teammates for creating the opportunities that have helped her flourish.

“It feels very good to score seven goals, but it is not only about me. My teammates are creating the chances and giving me the passes, and I am trying to convert them. It is a team effort. We have all been working very hard, and I am very thankful to the team and to the coach for their support,” said Anushka.

She also pointed to areas India must improve before Sunday’s decisive encounter.

“We could have scored more against Syria, but we were not clinical enough. We have to improve, move our attacks faster and move the ball quicker to unsettle the opponent. That is something we need to do against Malaysia,” added Anushka.

India manage workload ahead of Malaysia clash

With two matches played in four days following regular training sessions, Alexandersson reduced the intensity of India’s preparations to help the players recover. The squad undertook light strength work and spent half an hour in the pool, with their attention now firmly on Malaysia.

The Young Tigresses are scheduled to train under floodlights on the eve of the crucial match.

“I made the decision to give them some rest because I felt we had been training and playing games every day. Before the last game, I felt it was important to save some energy,” Alexandersson said.

“Now the focus is completely on the Malaysia match. We will go through how we want to defend against them, where their weaknesses are, how we can punish them and who their most important players are. These are the things we want to make clear to the players.”

Returning players offer India valuable experience

India also have the benefit of continuity, with 13 players from the previous U17 cycle that qualified for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026 included in the current squad.

Alexandersson believes their experience will be particularly valuable in a high-pressure qualifier, with leading scorer Anushka, captain Abhista Basnett and goalkeeper Munni among those returning.

“Obviously, it helps a lot,” Alexandersson said of the returning players, including top-scorer Anushka, captain Abhista Basnett and goalkeeper Munni. “They know what it is like to play these kinds of games. Most of them are now better at communicating, and they try to support the new players in a good way. The way they play also brings a certain calmness to the whole team, and that is very important.”

India wary of Malaysia despite qualification advantage

Alexandersson has repeatedly reminded his players that their performances in the opening two matches will count for little if they fail to maintain their standards in the final group fixture.

The Swedish coach has stressed the importance of respecting Malaysia while combining confidence with the hard work needed to secure qualification.

“Even if people outside think we are the favourites, we must always stay humble, whoever we are facing. In every sport, you have to be humble and respect the opponent,” the Swede said.

“Of course, self-confidence is important. You need to believe in what you are doing, but you also have to do the hard work in the games. As long as we stick to our principles and try to work harder than the opponent, I feel we have a good advantage,” he added.