VIENTIANE, 25 NOVEMBER 2024 – Head Coach Karim Bencherifa has called upon the Lionesses to play with focus and pride when they take on Timor-Leste in their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Cup 2024 opener on Tuesday, 26 November.
The Group A clash at Laos’ National Stadium KM16 marks Singapore’s first outing in this year’s tournament, which has been revamped as a qualifier for the 2025 ASEAN Women’s Championship.
There are three teams in Group A, with Timor-Leste and Laos playing out a 0-0 draw in the tournament’s curtain raiser on Saturday, 23 Nov.
Karim emphasised the importance of starting with a win, especially with both Group A opponents already dropping points in their first game, but he called for full concentration. “A win will surely put us in a great position for the second game,but we cannot underestimate our opponents,” he said, warning against any complacency against the Sol Nascente, who last faced Singapore in 2019 at the AFF Women’s Championship in Thailand, where they claimed a 2-1 victory.
Currently ranked 159th in the world, 21 places below the Singapore women, Timor-Leste impressed with a resilient performance in their AFF Women’s Cup opener last Saturday. They held hosts Laos to a goalless draw, with goalkeeper Gorette de Fatima de Deus Andrade de Costa earning Player of the Match honours with a string of crucial saves.
“They impressed everybody with their style based on hard work, grit, and a never-say-die attitude,” said Karim. “We have to match them in these areas, then our quality can make the difference.
“Over the last two days, we have prepared specifically for this opponent, and we need to remain very focused. I am confident and trust the players to rise to the occasion.”
Forward Farhanah Ruhaizat echoed her coach’s sentiments, stressing the importance of a strong start as the Lionesses aim to set the tone for the tournament.
“With what we have seen from Timor-Leste, we know we can match their determination and aggressiveness,” Farhanah said. “I hope we can deliver a good result and put on a strong performance.”
Farhanah (in jersey number 22) during training, November 2024.
Kick-off is at 4pm Singapore time. There is no live stream available for the match, but post-match highlights will be made available on Football Association of Singapore social media platforms on 27 Nov.
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