SINGAPORE, 16 JUNE 2025 – Singapore’s final home match before the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers was cut short by heavy rain, but the Lionesses displayed resilience and promise against a physically stronger Hong Kong, China side ranked 59 places above them.
The friendly at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on 15 June started brightly for Singapore, but match officials abandoned the match some four minutes into the second half due to heavy rain, with Hong Kong leading 1-0.
Winger Farah Nurzahirah created two early chances that put pressure on the Hong Kong defence in what was a promising opening to the game, but play was halted some 17 minutes in due to a lightning warning, leading to an hour-long delay.
When the match resumed, Hong Kong intensified their pressure, but 18-year-old goalkeeper Izairida Shakira rose to the challenge with a series of confident saves to keep Singapore in the game.
A moment of hesitation in the Singapore defence under heavy rain and relentless pressure proved costly, as Hong Kong forward Leung Hong Liu Anke struck with a clinical lob to break the deadlock. The visitors came close again before half-time, with a fast-paced cross from the right causing problems in the Singapore defence just moments before the whistle.
In the second half, veteran midfielder Lim Li Xian made a welcome return after a three-year absence, bringing poise and experience to the midfield. Singapore continued to press on, but worsening weather conditions forced officials to abandon the match.
Lionesses’ Head Coach Karim Bencherifa still drew several positives from the initiative.
“I think the players worked really hard under difficult conditions. We were looking to continue, but it’s still a positive outcome. A lot of work remains, but game after game, we’re progressing, said the Moroccan.
“Kudos to Hong Kong – gave us two good games. Even though today’s game didn’t finish, I was very happy with what I saw.”
Captain Rosnani Azman added: “We did quite well. Hong Kong is ranked much higher, and it was a strong test. Both teams created chances. We couldn’t convert, but it was a good fight leading up to the [qualifiers].”
The Lionesses now turn their focus to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers. They depart this Friday for the Jordanian capital of Amman that will host all Group A matches.
