KUALA LUMPUR: The Young Tigresses are aiming for a top-five finish at the upcoming Junior Asia Cup (JAC) to secure qualification for next year's Junior World Cup (JWC).
Powered by 10 players who represented the senior side at last month's Asian Champions Trophy, Malaysia, ranked No. 10 in the world junior rankings, will open their Group A campaign against minnows Thailand in Oman tomorrow (Dec 7).
Malaysia will then face world No. 6 India on Sunday, followed by matches against Bangladesh on Dec 11 and world No. 14 China on Dec 12.
National junior coach Lailin Abu Hassan is optimistic about his team's chances of finishing in the top five, which would guarantee a spot in the JWC.
"We have 10 players from the senior team, who finished fourth in the Asian Champions Trophy. They will form the core of the junior team," said Lailin.
"We need a good start against Thailand as a warm-up for tougher games ahead.
"India and China are the group favourites, but we'll give our best to upset the odds."
Malaysia have a consistent record in the tournament, finishing fifth in six out of eight previous appearances.
Tomorrow's fixtures (Dec 7):
Group A: China vs Bangladesh (4.15pm), Malaysia vs Thailand (6.30pm);
Group B: Japan vs Sri Lanka (8.45pm), Taiwan vs Hong Kong (11pm).
* Malaysian time.