03-07-2025
Henrietta heads home late winner as Malaysia edge Tajikistan
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia edged hosts Tajikistan 1-0 with a stoppage-time winner in Dushanbe to stay in the hunt for a place at next year's Women's Asian Cup Finals.
Malaysia and North Korea are now level on six points in Group H, with the latter topping the standings on goal difference.
The two sides meet in a decisive clash on Saturday, with Malaysia needing a win to book their ticket to the Finals.
Tajikistan started brightly and had early chances to go ahead.
Marjona Saidova broke through on goal but was denied by an alert Nurul Azurin Mazlan before Nekubakht Khudododova squandered a close-range effort.
After soaking up the pressure, Malaysia slowly found their footing.
Nurfazira Sani danced past Benazir Jumakhonzoda in the 16th minute but smashed her shot against the post.
Tajikistan breathed a sigh of relief just before half-time when an unmarked Steffi Sarge Singh headed Ainsyah Murad's corner narrowly wide.
The second half started more cautiously, with neither goalkeeper troubled in the opening stages.
Malaysia had a half-chance with 20 minutes left when a slick move down the right saw Nur Adrienna set up Azzlyeanieh Kinuli just inside the box, but her shot flew wide.
Just like against Palestine on Sunday, Malaysia found a late breakthrough. Intan Sarah Anisah Zulgafli won possession inside the box and floated a perfect cross for Henrietta Justine to nod home in the first minute of stoppage time.
