Women want to be in a league of their own

The Malaysian players celebrating their win against Palestine. - Photo by FAM

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s women football must have a league of their own if they want to see growth in the game.

After ending their Group H campaign in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifier with a win 2-0 over Palestine at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in Jerusalem yesterday, captain and defender Steffi Sarge Kaur said a women’s league is inevitable.

Striker Andrea Lee scored the opener in the 52nd minute while Steffi whipped in a free-kick in the 82nd minute to give Malaysia their only win. Earlier, they were thrashed 4-0 by Thailand.

Only the group winners qualify for the final round which will be staged in India in January.

Steffi said players were deprived of domestic matches which included the cancelled Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup due to Covid-19.

“With our own league, there will be a bigger pool of players to choose from for the national team,” she said.

“The present squad have the potential but apart from commitment and discipline, what we need most is experience. I hope the players will continue to work hard after this tournament.

“I’m happy as my target was to score a goal. Overall we played well despite the lack of preparations.”