KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — Lim You did not expect to score so many goals at the Merdeka Srikandi Cup, let alone finish the tournament as its top scorer with eight goals.

The young Malaysian forward was quick to play down her individual achievement, saying the goals were the result of a collective effort from her teammates.

“When I first came, I didn’t expect to score so many goals and I think it’s all a team effort and we all did it together,” said the 14-year-old.

Lim’s eight-goal haul was enough to see her finish as the tournament’s leading scorer, a standout individual achievement in her first appearance at the competition.

The teenager said she also grew increasingly comfortable with her teammates during the tournament, despite initially facing a language barrier.

“Yeah, it’s really good. At first, it was different because we don’t really speak the same language but now I’m getting along with them really well and I really enjoy being around them,” she said.

Her time with the Malaysian squad also saw her pick up a few Malay words, including “satu”, “dua”, “tiga” and “bola”.

Lim will now return to the United States to continue her studies, with the youngster saying she would be back to represent Malaysia at the next tournament, which she identified as the Asian qualifiers.

Asked about her plans after the Merdeka Srikandi Cup, she said: “I’m flying back to the US tomorrow.”

She also confirmed that she would return for Malaysia’s next tournament.

“Yes, of course,” she said when asked if she would be back for the Asian qualifiers.

Despite her impressive scoring record, Lim You’s focus remained firmly on the team’s achievement, with her eight goals serving as another indication of the young forward’s potential on the international stage.

Meanwhile, coach Fairuz Montana Zainal Abidin said he wants to build the team with a few new additions and thanked everyone for their support.

“I hope we can continue to support the girls. They’re showing good chemistry and great spirit.

“Even though some were not good at Bahasa, they wanted to learn and for us who may not be so good at English, we also learnt the language.

“We had tough opponents and some weaker ones and it was a good test, but I feel we can do well and we can build on this team with a few new additions, so thank you to all Malaysians for supporting all the way,” he added.

Malaysia finished the tournament on a high after beating Jordan 4-0.