KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s qualifying campaign for the 2027 Under-17 Asian Cup got off to a disastrous start with a 2-0 loss to Palestine in their Group E opener at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras on Sunday.
Despite having home advantage, Shukor Adan’s team were undone by lapses in concentration and Palestine’s clinical finishing.
The visitors opened account in the 17th minute through striker Yazan Khalifah inside the box.
Malaysia fell further behind in the 52nd minute after Palestine’s Yousef Bustami pounced on a defensive lapse to score.
The defeat leaves Malaysia with little room for error in their remaining Group E fixtures against Singapore, Guam and India.
Singapore opened their campaign with a 6-0 win over Guam earlier in the day.