Selayang:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commended the national U-17 women's football squad for their tenacity, despite their failure to secure a spot in the 2027 U-17 Women's Asian Cup after a 4-0 defeat to India.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister highlighted the squad's commendable spirit, effort, and courage throughout the tournament, urging them to use this experience as motivation to improve and succeed in future competitions.

The team had aspirations of qualifying for the Asian Cup final round in China, but their hopes were dashed after the loss to India in their final Group E match at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium. They had earlier secured a 1-0 victory against Syria and a 4-0 win over Iraq.

Under the tournament's format, the eight group winners will advance to the 2027 U-17 Women's Asian Cup final round, joining defending champions North Korea, Japan, Australia, and host nation China. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 31 to April 17, 2027.