Singapore will begin their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifying campaign against 171st-ranked Bhutan in Amman, Jordan – a first-ever meeting between the two sides, but one that already carries much weight.
Ranked 139th in the world, the Lionesses go into the match as the higher-seeded team, but Singapore Head Coach Karim Bencherifa was quick to caution against underestimating the Dragon Ladies.
“Based on what we’ve seen, they play a high-pressing game and are a fit team,” said Bencherifa. “Their draw against 80th-ranked Hong Kong, China, shows that they’re performing at a higher standard than their ranking suggests. So we need to be ready for that higher level of intensity.”
Bhutan’s recent results back that up. In their last five matches, they recorded two wins, two losses, and a goalless draw against Hong Kong in the Tri-Nations Cup held last month – the same side Singapore faced in a friendly. That match at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on 15 June started brightly but was abandoned early in the second half due to heavy rain, with the Lionesses trailing 1-0.
Bhutan head coach Park Dae-jung echoed belief in his side’s growth at their pre-match press conference.
“We prepared for the qualifiers with the Tri-Nations Cup against Malaysia and Hong Kong,” said Park. “Our mindset is that we’re as strong as any other team here, including Singapore. We’ve given our best – that’s how we’re prepared.”
With an average age lower than Bhutan — who are fielding a squad with no players under the age of 20 — the Lionesses will lean on energy and cohesion to navigate the demands of the tournament.
“The national team represents the league of that country,” said Bencherifa. “If you look at our Women’s Premier League, most of the players in the first eleven are really young – but they’ve earned their place. Some are scholarship players who’ve stood out, and despite their age, they bring valuable international experience, having featured in regional tournaments since 2023.”
Adaptability and mindset will be just as important as match preparation – especially in a short, high-stakes campaign played in unfamiliar conditions.
“It’s important to be resilient,” said Bencherifa. “The environment here in Jordan is different – it’s more humid and dry, and some players have felt it.”
“We need to manage that well as a team and not let it affect our focus or performance. With matches every two days, mental strength becomes even more crucial.”
Singapore will play against Bhutan at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman, Jordan at 9pm Singapore Time. Live broadcast details will be made available closer to the kick-off time.
