KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 -- Have no fear! That’s the reminder from national women’s football team skipper Steffi Sarge Kaur Sergeant Singh to her teammates ahead of their opening Group H clash against Thailand in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Palestine on Sunday (Sept 19).
While admitting that the Thais are in a different league, Steffi was quick to advise her teammates to continue to think positively and give their 100 per cent on the field.
“We know that Thailand are among the strongest teams in Asia and have played in the World Cup before, but there is no need to fear them.
“If we have lost from the psychological aspect, how are we to take them on? I don’t want such an attitude. Mentally, we must be strong and that’s all I want from them (teammates),” she told a media conference held virtually today.
Steffi admitted that Malaysia might have to adopt a defensive strategy to thwart the expected Thai onslaught.
The 33-year-old also said that Malaysia would have to be wary of the threat posed by Palestine as well when they meet the hosts on Sept 22.
She described both of Malaysia’s Group H matches, to be held at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium, Jerusalem, Palestine, as “finals” as they seek to earn a slot in next year’s Asian Cup Finals.
Head coach Jacob Joseph, whose team are eyeing all three points against Palestine, is happy that his side are injury-free ahead of their assignment in Palestine.
Meanwhile, newcomer Lee Xin Yi Andrea was full of praise for Steffi’s leadership, especially in trying to motivate them ahead of the Qualifiers.
The 20-year-old described Steffi as the “big sister” in the changing room as she would always share her knowledge and tips to help the other players improve their game.
A total of 28 teams will be competing in the Qualifiers, with four groups comprising four teams each and four groups consisting of three teams each.
The champions of each of the eight groups will qualify for the 12-team Asian Cup Finals, with hosts India as well as the three best teams from the 2018 edition - Japan, Australia and China - having qualified earlier. The 2022 Finals will be held in Mumbai from Jan 20-Feb 6.
Following is the list of the 23 national players who will be competing in Group H of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Palestine:
|
No |
Name |
Position |
Jersey number |
|
1. |
Nurul Azurin Mazlan |
Goalkeeper |
23 |
|
2. |
Olevia Olga Sabrinus |
Goalkeeper |
1 |
|
3. |
Asma Junaidi |
Goalkeeper |
20 |
|
4. |
Malini Nordin |
Defender |
17 |
|
5. |
Jessica Susanne Mailu |
Defender |
9 |
|
6. |
Steffi Sarge Kaur Seargeant Singh (Kapten) |
Defender |
10 |
|
7. |
Nurfatin Rozani |
Defender |
18 |
|
8. |
Siti Nurfaizah Saidin |
Defender |
14 |
|
9. |
Hellma Emily Joinin |
Defender |
21 |
|
10. |
Mira Fazliana Aidi |
Defender |
3 |
|
11. |
Nor Saema Che Tengah |
Pertahanan |
2 |
|
12. |
Pedrolia Martin Sikayun |
Midfielder |
15 |
|
13. |
Jaciah Jumilis |
Midfielder |
7 |
|
14. |
Alice Mic Michael |
Midfielder |
5 |
|
15. |
Eva Olivianie Antinus |
Midfielder |
16 |
|
16. |
Dadree Rofinus |
Midfielder |
19 |
|
17. |
Nur Faiqah Safira Mohamad Farid |
Midfielder |
8 |
|
18. |
Lee Xin Yi Andrea |
Midfielder |
13 |
|
19. |
Waitie Taming |
Midfielder |
22 |
|
20. |
Nur Lyana Soberi |
Midfielder |
6 |
|
21. |
Nur Farishah Erinna Hisham |
Midfielder |
12 |
|
22. |
Henrietta Justine |
Forward |
4 |
|
23. |
Puteri Noralisa Wilkinson |
Forward |
11 |
-- BERNAMA
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