SINGAPORE, 8 DECEMBER 2025 – Singapore got their Southeast Asian (SEA) Games campaign off to a promising start, even taking the lead against Indonesia in their opening Group A encounter on Sunday, 7 December. But Karim Bencherifa’s charges could not hang onto that advantage, eventually falling 3-1 at Chonburi’s TNSU Chonburi Stadium.
With Thailand defeating Indonesia 8-0 in the group’s opening fixture last Thursday (4 Dec), this result leaves Singapore with a tough task of progressing to the semi-finals. Only the top two teams from each of the two groups will advance to the semis.
“Indonesia brought on their strongest lineup in the second half, and with the depth they have, it became challenging for us to match their quality and physical presence. We took the lead in the first half, but unfortunately couldn’t maintain that advantage,” said a disappointed Bencherifa who still found positives in his charges’ performance.
Singapore took the lead in the 22nd minute through Farhanah Ruhaizat, who calmly finished after a clever pass from Danelle Tan. Indonesia equalised later in the first half and added two more goals in the second half, with the final goal coming five minutes into stoppage time.
“It was a tight contest, and the players showed full commitment – I’m proud of their effort. Still, this is clear progress from our last two matches against them, where we were dominated and lost 5-1 (Women’s ‘A’ International, May 2024) and 3-0 (AFF Women’s Cup, December 2024),” added the 57-year-old.
The Lionesses kicked off the match confidently, absorbing Indonesia’s early pressure well, with the defence making crucial blocks and SEA Games debutant, goalkeeper Izairida Shakira, keeping out several close-range attempts.
Indonesia controlled possession and created chances, but it was Singapore that found the breakthrough, which came against the run of play in the 22nd minute.
Forward Danelle Tan won the ball at the halfway line, and raced into the Indonesian half before setting up Farhanah Ruhaizat with a defence-splitting pass. Farhana then strode into the box and calmly slotted past Indonesian goalkeeper Iris De Rouw to put the Lionesses 1-0 up.
The goal marked the 27-year-old midfielder’s eighth for the national team, making her the second-highest scorer among Singapore women’s national team players, behind Tan who has nine goals.
But the celebrations were short-lived. Nine minutes later, Rosdilah Nurrohmah dribbled at the Singapore defence before finding Isa Warps, who burst into the Singapore box and tucked home the equaliser.
Singapore pressed for another goal before halftime, with a Danelle Tan header off a Dorcas Chu’s cross going just wide.
Singapore fashioned a few more chances in the second half, but could not find another breakthrough. Claudia Scheunemann came on for Felicia de Zeeuw in the 58th minute, and gave Indonesia the lead just four minutes later, applying a classy finish to a Marsela Awi right wing cross for her seventh international goal.
The Lionesses maintained pressure in search of an equaliser but they were undone deep into stoppage time.
Substitute left-back Aulia Al Mabruroh fired a bullet from just inside the Singapore penalty box, with the ball slamming off the post, bounced off Shakira and ended up in the goal. That late goal sealed a 3-1 win for Indonesia.
There were still positives for Singapore to take from the match, with eight players making their SEA Games debuts and gaining valuable experience on the big stage.
While captain Rosnani Azman noted that the Lionesses saw eight players make their SEA Games debut in the match, she admitted to feeling frustrated with the result. The 28-year-old was still upbeat about the team’s performance and focus.
“We kept pushing, we made mistakes, but we fought. It wasn’t a one-sided game – we had chances but couldn’t convert. We had a plan, and we matched them in many moments, but football is football and the result didn’t go our way,” she said.
“Tomorrow is a new day, and we won’t dwell on this. We’re not giving up – we’re here to compete, and we’re here together as a team.”
Singapore will next face Thailand on Wednesday, 10 December, with Bencherifa approaching the challenge with a determination matching his skipper’s.
“Thailand will be a different and very tough test, but we’ll regroup and compete all the way,” he said.
“We’re here to perform, but also to develop. This is a young squad with a bright future ahead.”
SINGAPORE: Izairida Shakira, Rosnani Azman, Syazwani Ruzi (Irsalina Irwan 89’), Umairah Hamdan, Nurhidayu Naszri (Seri Nurinsyirah 80’), Danelle Tan, Cara Chang (Lim Li Xian 46’), Sarah Zu’risqha (Sitianiwati Rosielin 46’), Dhaniyah Qasimah, Dorcas Chu, Farhanah Ruhaizat (Sharifah Nur Amanina 80’)
