The Singapore Women’s National Team fell 5-0 to Saudi Arabia at Abu Dhabi’s 321 Sports Arena in their second Women’s ‘A’ international against the Middle Eastern side on Wednesday night (29 October 2025). Karim Bencherifa’s Lionesses fell 1-0 in a closely fought encounter on 25 Oct.
But the result only tells part of the story.
Over the three days between the two matches, the Lionesses endured disruptions due to illness and injuries, forcing multiple changes to training plans and even the matchday squad.
Some players suffered abdominal pain, vomiting, flu, with two players under hospital observation for gastroenteritis. This left Singapore with just 12 players available at one point. On matchday, Head Coach Karim Bencherifa found himself with 16 available players , yet the squad faced a tough challenge against a strong Saudi side looking to show their mettle again.
Saudi Arabia’s Raghad Mukhayzin opened the scoring in the 21st minute through a penalty.. Singapore found a response moments later, only for Sarah Zu’risqha’s free kick to be comfortably collected by the Saudi goalkeeper.
The first half ended 1–0, with both sides testing each other but unable to find the net.
But it was the second half that tested the Lionesses, with Saudi Arabia intensifying their attack. Saudi forward Fatimah Mansour scored in the 55th minute after a cross deflected off Lioness goalkeeper Hazel Lim. Three minutes later Moudi Abdulmohsen put Saudi Arabia 3-0 up, reacting quickest to a loose ball in front of the Singapore goal.
Saudi Arabia then added a fourth goal via a Fatimah Mansour penalty before forward Al Bandary Mobarak scored the fifth and final goal of the match in the 82nd minute. . For Farhanah Ruhaizat, who stepped in to captain the Lionesses after Rosnani Azman suffered an injury just 10 minutes into the first game, these matches were a real test of mettle.
“Given the circumstances, the team really fought and stayed positive for the full 90 minutes. We created chances and had opportunities – more than in the first game – but unfortunately didn’t convert them,” said the 27-year-old midfielder.
“The most challenging part for me was to communicate and get everyone focused, even when we were conceding goals. It was a tough time, but I’m glad that everyone managed to understand and support one another, and really tried to keep the spirit of the team together.
“It’s truly an honour to captain the team during this window.”
Nicole Lim similarly drew strength from the resilience the Lionesses found.
“The main lesson is about resilience, and even though we have been dealing with many challenges, we still competed,” said the 23-year-old forward. “We were not just playing for ourselves, but also for the [players] who were ill and could not make the match tonight.”
This unity and resilience is perhaps the bright silver lining that the Lionesses will look to build on as they prepare for December’s Thailand SEA Games.
“The most important thing that we have right now in the team is the team spirit. We really supported one another, we encouraged each other (…) like we are sisters, like family,” said Farhanah.
“That is the most important thing to carry into our SEA Games preparations.”
