The Young Matildas have claimed a 1-0 victory over Malaysia in their first match of the AFF Aya Bank Women’s Championship 2013 in Yangon, Myanmar.
The Young Matildas have claimed a 1-0 victory over Malaysia in their first match of the AFF Aya Bank Women-s Championship 2013 in Yangon, Myanmar.
Despite missing an earlier penalty, Sydney FC's Brittany Whitfield got the game winner in the 76th minute to relegate the Malaysians to their second straight defeat in the tournament.
No side really got a clear cut chance in the opening half an hour but Australia went close to opening the scoring soon after as Hayley Raso got on to the end of a cross from Sarah Carrol but the Canberra United young gun could not beat Malaysian keeper Asma Junaidi.
The Malaysians had the final chance of the half as Masturah Majid drfited the ball over the crossbar to see the sides go into the half as they started, at 0-0.
The Young Matildas pushed further up the park in the second half with Chloe Lagarzo missing from outside the box.
Whitfield was then given the opportunity to convert from the spot but hit it straight at the Malaysian keeper on 65 minutes as the match seem destined to finish without a goal.
However, Whitfield made up for her mistake from the spot as she drove the ball low to see it ricochet off the upright and into the back of the goal at the 76th minute mark to ensure she gave her side the perfect start to the competition.
“Malaysia made things difficult for us,” said Australian coach Spencer Prior. “It was not a pretty match today but we were using a very young squad and it was important that they got this game.”