The Singapore Women’s National Team fell 3-1 to Indonesia in their opening Group A SEA Games fixture, and are bottom of the three-team standings ahead of their final group match against Games hosts, Thailand, on Wednesday, 10 December.
Farhand Ruhaizat, who scored against Indonesia in that game, is firm in her belief that the Lionesses are acutely aware of the size task that lies ahead – and are ready to embrace the challenge.
“We knew what we wanted out of the Indonesia match, and we gave it our all. We are all gutted with the result, but we are moving forward with that same spirit to face the Thailand challenge,” said the 27-year-old midfielder.
Thailand beat Indonesia 8-0 on 4 December, and to keep hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive, Singapore – 149th in the FIFA world order – will need a big result against a Thai side that is ranked 53rd.
The last meeting between the sides came at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where the Lionesses fell 4-0 to Thailand.
While the gulf in experience and depth is clear, so is determination in the Lionesses’ dressing room.
“Thailand has competed at the highest level – the World Cup – and we all know their strengths,” said Farhanah.
“To compete against such a team will take a lot of courage and confidence – and that’s what we must bring to the pitch on Wednesday.”
And Farhanah – who is competing at her third SEA Games – is confident that the Lionesses have that in their arsenal.
“We are missing a couple of players in the current squad, but the fighting spirit and determination that this team has is comparable to previous (SEA Games) squads – maybe even stronger than ever.”
Head Coach Karim Bencherifa echoed that mindset, stressing that tomorrow is a chance for the team to measure their growth.
“Indonesia was a tough match for us, and we know Thailand is an even stronger team. We’ll approach the game with professionalism and compete with intensity. Every match is a chance for this young squad to learn, grow, and raise our standards,” he said.
“We’ll fight to the end and focus on showing clear progress in our performance.”
