KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of key players could impact the Speedy Tigresses' campaign at the women's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) later this month.
Hanis Nadiah Onn, Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli, Siti Nur Arfah Nor and Siti Zulaikha Husain are recovering from injuries and will miss the ACT in Bihar, India, on Nov 11-20.
Coach Nasihin Nubli has selected untested players Zawiatul Akma Hartomo, Nur Aisyah Che Musa, Nurathirah Fitriah Syamsul Adzuanizam and Nur Iman Adawiyah Suhaimi to fill the void.
As a result, the 20-member squad will feature 10 juniors, led by captain Juliani Din, who has 204 caps.
The other teams in the fray are defending champions India, Paris Olympics silver medallists China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
Nasihin said the absence of some senior players will offer the newcomers a chance to prove themselves.
"The women's game has totally changed. It's played at a fast pace and is highly competitive.
"I am confident this mix of senior and junior players will achieve something positive in India."
Team manager Rogayah Mohamad urged her players to give their best in every match.
"Winning is our main goal. The players must give their best performance throughout the tournament," said Rogayah. "In last year's ACT, we held South Korea to a 1-1 draw. I want the players to show the same commitment. It's not impossible to pull off surprises and upsets."
Nasihin's team will start their campaign against India on Nov 11.
The team
Goalkeepers: Siti Zalia Nasir, Fitrinur Amiera Ramlee;
Defenders: Juliani Din (captain), Khairunnisa Ayuni Sharuddin, Nur Nabila Alia Yussaini, Dayang Nuramirah Abang Mahadini, Anith Humairah Baharudin, Zawiatul Akma Hartomo.
Midfielders: Nurul Fatin Fatiah Azman, Siti Nur Irdina Nor, Nurmaizatul Hanim Syafi Fuad, Nur Insyirah Effarizal, Nur Aisyah Che Musa, Thibatharshini James.
Forwards: Nur Shamine Azureen Badusha, Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhairy, Zati Alyani Zubir, Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar, Nurathirah Fitriah Syamsul Adzuanizam, Nur Iman Adawiyah Suhaimi.