The Singapore Women’s National Team put up a creditable display by holding their United Arab Emirates (UAE) counterparts to a goalless draw in an international ‘A’ friendly at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday evening.

 

UAE were heavily fancied to win this game after beating a Singapore Selection team 4-0 two days ago, but the Singapore Women’s National Team put up a dogged display to keep the visitors at bay.

 

The young Lionesses, with an average age of 22.6, created arguably the better chances of the two sides, but failed to put them away.

 

UAE dominated the first half hour of the game, but it was Singapore who created the first clear-cut opportunity of the night with midfielder Angeline Chua lashing just wide from the edge of the box.

 

The home side almost broke the deadlock just before the break when Ernie Sulastri connected well with Chua’s outswinging corner, but the latter’s goal-bound header was kept out by UAE goalkeeper Noura Almazrooei.

 

The Singaporeans carried on where they left off after the restart, with right winger Farhanah Ruhaizat firing straight at Almazrooei from 20 yards out.

 

At the 58th minute, left winger Stephanie Dominguez was denied in a one-on-one opportunity with Almazrooei after being released through on goal by Farhanah.

 

UAE created a great opening three minutes later, with Alanood Aladwan’s powerful header from Afra Almheiri’s cross which was smothered by Singapore keeper Kusumawati Rosman.

 

Singapore continued to push hard in the last half-hour but did not manage to convert their chances.

 

UAE could have grabbed a late winner two minutes from time when a long ball evaded the Singapore backline, but centre-back Suria Priya was on hand to clear the danger.

 

Speaking after the match, Singapore head coach Yeong Sheau Shyan was visibly proud of her charges’ spirited display as they gear up for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women‚Äôs Championship 2017 in March and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women‚Äôs Asian Cup 2018 Qualifiers in April.

 

“This is pretty much a new team with five to six players from the Under-19s,” she said.

 

“We only assembled for the first time in November 2015 and the players are still getting to know each other’s style.

 

“We’re also missing a core group of players who are injured, but we fought very hard to get the result tonight. Whatever the result, I was happy the moment they showed me that attitude on the pitch.

 

“This is the first time many of our players had played at a very high level and they performed incredibly. We held possession well, instead of just hoofing it up and hoping for the best. We just have to build on our confidence in the attacking third and work on our finishing from now on.”

 

The Singapore Women’s National Team will play more friendlies before they participate in the AFF Women’s Championship.

 

 

Singapore: Kusumawati Rosman (GK, C), Priscilla Tan (Deborah Chin 63‚Äô), Suria Priya, Angelyn Pang, Rosnani Azman, Farhanah Ruhaizat (Faradila Rafidi 90‚Äô), Ho Hui Xin, Angeline Chua, Stephanie Dominguez (Joey Cheng 59‚Äô), Ernie Sulastri, Nurul Fatin (Azureen Rahman 69‚Äô)

 

UAE: Noura Almazrooei (GK, C), Houriya Hussain Taheri, Shamma Almansoori (Nujood Alblooshi 76‚Äô), Reem Albloshe, Nouf Aladwan, Alanood Khalid (Naeema Gharib 69‚Äô), Areej Alhammadi, Nehal Abdelaziz, Afra Almheiri (Amal Aal Rabeea 80‚Äô), Maryam Alrimaithi (Ameena Alhousani 46‚Äô), Salha Alzaabi