Singapore’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign began with a narrow 3–2 defeat to Bhutan in a Group A match defined by tough conditions, missed chances and several injuries.
“In total, we had to play about 17 minutes with just 10 players after four of our girls picked up injuries, which really affected us,” said Lionesses Head Coach Karim Bencherifa, of the match played under the afternoon heat of the Jordanian capital of Amman on Monday (7 July).
“Four out of our five substitutions were made because of injuries, and that disrupted our rhythm.
He added: “While it was a tough match, I felt that we had enough chances to score more. The players gave their best — that’s something that can’t be taken away from them, even if we fell short of the result we wanted. There are still positives to build on.”
Bhutan struck just 48 seconds after kick-off, capitalising on a defensive lapse as the Lionesses struggled to settle into the game. But Singapore responded with composure.
In the 9th minute, after a flowing move through the middle, Farhanah Ruhaizat fired a shot that was parried by goalkeeper Sangita Monger. The ball fell to 18-year-old IMG Academy student Ardhra Arul who was in the right place at the right time to slot home the rebound and level the score in what was her senior debut
“I didn’t really expect the ball to come to me — it was more about being in the right place at the right time, and there was definitely some luck involved. I’m really thankful to Farhanah for that assist,” said Ardhra. “It’s a big confidence boost for me.”
The Singapore side continued to push forward after the equaliser.
In the 12th minute, Farah Nurzahirah nearly put the Lionesses ahead after Monger let the ball loose, but Bhutanese defender Suk Maya Ghalley reacted just in time to block her effort.
Singapore grew in confidence with Cara Chang helping manage the tempo well in the middle of the park, while Izarida Shakira was solid in goal — notably denying forward Deki Lhazom with a strong save in the 34th minute.
The Lionesses took the lead in the 25th minute — this time with a touch of fortune. Bhutan’s Dorji Edon misjudged a backpass, sending it past her own goalkeeper to hand Singapore a 2–1 advantage — their first time scoring more than once in an AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying match.
But the second half looked entirely different.
Bhutan came out aggressively, while the Lionesses struggled to cope with the scorching Amman heat and the rising intensity.
“Our first half was good, but the hot, dry conditions and physical intensity started to take a toll in the second half. Bhutan were full of energy and are one of the fittest teams here,” said Bencherifa.
The match turned increasingly scrappy as injuries mounted. Four out of Singapore’s five substitutions were forced due to injuries, leaving the Lionesses with only ten players for about 17 minutes of play.
Ardhra was withdrawn early in the second half and replaced by Kyra Taylor, having aggravated a pre-existing left shoulder contusion. Farah later made way for Chloe Koh due to a right ankle knock.
Those changes came alongside increasing Bhutan pressure that paid off in the 66th minute, when Dorji — making up for her earlier error — met a cross from the right and headed it into the top corner to level the scores.
To exacerbate the situation, the Lionesses’ injury woes continued to pile up.
Right-back Syazwani Ruzi was stretchered off with cramps and replaced by Natasha Naszri. Soon after, Qarissa Putri was forced off following a back contusion from a collision, and Nurhidayu Naszri had to be helped off after pulling her quadricep, with her 83rd minute exit paving the way for 19-year-old Elyssa Qistina to make her international debut.
The 10 Lionesses left on the pitch dug deep to hold off Bhutan’s attacks, with Shakira making several important stops. But they were undone in the 87th minute, with Sunita Rai reacting quickest to a rebound off the post, to slot in Bhutan’s third goal and snatch the win.
While he took several positives from the defeat, Bencherifa quickly turned his gaze to the horizon.
With a heavily bruised squad, Singapore will face the Republic of Iran, ranked 68th in the world, on Thursday (10 July).
The two sides last met in the 2017 edition of the same tournament, where Singapore suffered a 6–0 loss.
“Our priority now is recovery, and making sure we have a fit squad ready for Iran,” said Bencherifa.
Goal-scorer Ardhra echoed the sentiment of her coach.
“Looking ahead, I expect a very tough opponent in Iran — there’ll be a lot of physical battles, a lot of running, and just a hard fight overall,” she said. “Now it’s about regrouping and making sure we’re ready for the next match.”
