The Singapore U20 Women’s National Team are in Hanoi for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20s Women’s Asian Cup™ Thailand 2026 Qualifiers, which will take place from 6 to 10 August 2025.
Grouped with hosts Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, and the Kyrgyz Republic in Group B, the squad will aim to put in focused, committed performances, with an eye on long-term development into future senior internationals.
Head coach Fazrul Nawaz said the team have had a productive build-up to the tournament, with encouraging signs in both their on-pitch preparations and overall attitude.
“Our team has been preparing well, we had a good training camp the past week, and our team bonding showed a lot of positive results for the players and the staff as well. We are looking forward to the tournament and our first match against the host nation, Vietnam.”
He noted that the squad have shown a strong willingness to play for each other and to compete, qualities that will serve them well beyond the tournament.
“To see them compete in every game, to show what they can achieve, how they can play and what their ability is towards each opponent.”
Singapore’s first match is against Vietnam on Tuesday, 6 August at 8pm. They will then face Hong Kong, China on Thursday, 8 August at 5pm, before concluding the group stage against the Kyrgyz Republic on Saturday, 10 August at 5pm. All matches are in Singapore Time (GMT +8) and will be streamed live on the Vietnam Football Federation’s YouTube page.
Captain Sarah Zu’risqha, 19, is set to lead the team and sees it as an opportunity to grow.
“It’s a great opportunity and I feel honoured to represent Singapore. It’s competitive to play for the national team, so I’m grateful to be here and to lead the team. It’s a big responsibility, but I’ll do my best.”
She added, “Our target is to give 110 percent in every game. We want to keep going no matter what happens and not give up. We know the opponents are strong, but we will fight and not back down.”
Vietnam, were in the finals in the previous edition of the U20 Women’s Asian Cup, are expected to be strong contenders once again. Head coach Okiyama Masahiko shared that they had recently returned from a training camp in Japan and were “ready to go into the qualifiers”.
Vietnamese player representative, Lưu Hoàng Vân (Hoang Van Luu) noted that while the hot weather in Hanoi posed a challenge, the team were prepared. “From our experience playing with the senior team — in terms of play style, stamina, and tactics — we’ve been able to improve ourselves, share that knowledge with our teammates, and work together to achieve our goals.”
For Singapore, the qualifiers offer not just competition, but a valuable step towards senior international football. With a focus on learning, discipline and effort, this group of players will aim to lay the foundations for the next generation of Lionesses.
