VIENTIANE, 4 DECEMBER 2024 – On Thursday, 5 December, the Lionesses will line up against Timor-Leste in their last ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Cup 2024 match at Laos’ National Stadium KM16, with one clear goal in mind: victory to secure their place in next year’s ASEAN Women’s Championships.
Following Singapore’s 3-0 defeat to Indonesia in the semi-finals, Singapore Head Coach Karim Bencherifa held meetings with the technical staff and players to set the tone for what lies ahead.
“We appreciated the team’s hard work against Indonesia, but it was important that we move on. Our full focus is now on the Timor-Leste game. We have aligned on our tactical approach, and I’m confident that everyone is ready for this challenge,” he said.
The Lionesses, who have had to play their two group stages with only two days to recover in between matches, will unfortunately be without goalkeeper Hazel Lim and forward Farhanah Ruhaizat—who scored against Timor-Leste in the group stage—due to ankle injuries.
Cara Chang (in white bib) in a training session, December 2024.
But Karim remains optimistic.
“Even with the injuries, I’m happy with how Farah (Nurzahirah) and Cara (Chang) stepped up during the matches and training. I’m sure others will rise to the occasion tomorrow too,” he said.
”I’m confident we can score from different situations, and that gives us confidence,” he said.
For 17-year-old Nurul Illyanis, who earned her first cap against Indonesia, the mission is crystal clear.
Nurul Illyanis in a training session, December 2024.
“Our main focus is to get goals and avoid small mistakes,” she said.
“We’re working on our fundamentals and taking every chance we get to secure the win.”
Kick-off is at 4 PM Singapore time, and the match will be streamed live on the Laos Football Association Youtube page.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
