Malaysia Edging Closer To Clinch Slot In Final Round Of 2016 AFC U-16 Championship

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia's under-16 (U-16) squad are moving closer to clinch a spot in the final round of the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 Championship after mauling the Philippines 7-0 in their third group G match of the qualifier at the Laos National Stadium in Laos, on Friday. Malaysia only needed a draw in their last group match against hosts Laos on Sunday to confirm their slot in the final round of the tournament which will be held in India, next year. In Friday's match, Malaysia led 4-0 at halftime through an own goal by Philippines player, Prichi Roy James in the 26th minute and three other goals from Aliff in the 32nd minute, Muhammad Iqbal Hakem (36th minute) and Muhammad Izreen, six minutes later, reported AFC website;www.the-afc.com. After resumption, Malaysia added three more goals through Zainul Arifin in the 74th minute and a brace from substitute, Muhammad Alif Safwan in the 67th and 70th minute. The group winner of each 11 groups and four best runner-up teams in the qualifying round, will qualify for the final round, joining India who gained an automatic slot as the final round hosts. --BERNAMA