SINGAPORE, 5 APRIL 2023 – The Singapore Men’s Under-22 and Women’s National Teams will both be facing Thailand at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia next month.

 

At the draw ceremony earlier this afternoon, the Lionesses were drawn into Group B with Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Ranked 43rd in the world by FIFA, the Thais are five-time champions and have qualified for the past two FIFA World Cups. The Lionesses will start their SEA Games campaign against Thailand on 3rd May.

 

Match	Date	Time (SGT)	Venue
Thailand vs Singapore	Wednesday, 3 May 2023	5pm	Smart RSN Stadium, Cambodia
Singapore vs Cambodia	Saturday, 6 May 2023	9pm
Singapore vs Laos	Tuesday, 9 May 2023	9pm	Army Stadium

 

Coach Karim Bencherifa is hopeful over his team’s performance this SEA Games: “We will be facing quality opponents and we know that we will need to work hard to improve in all aspects of our game. Judging from their performances in the Olympic qualifiers, my team is capable of being tough opposition when they work as one and carry out the game plan.”

 

National defender Ernie Sulastri added: “We are working hard and trust the process of Coach Karim’s tactical approach for our matches, and we know we are capable of doing better. It is important for us to play with team spirit, and intensity while being technically and tactically switched on from kickoff to the first whistle.”

 

The men’s U22s were also placed in Group B for their draw and will have to battle it out with Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos to make it to the semi-finals. The Thais are the record 16-time champions, with Malaysia having won the competition twice. Their first match will be against Thailand as well on 30th April.

 

Match	Date	Time (SGT)	Venue
Thailand vs Singapore	Sunday, 30 April 2023	5pm	Prince Stadium, Cambodia
Singapore vs Vietnam	Wednesday, 3 May 2023	5pm
Laos vs Singapore	Saturday, 6 May 2023	8pm
Singapore vs Malaysia	Thursday, 11 May 2023	5pm

 

Coach Philippe Aw believes his team has the resilience and determination to face tough opponents: “Of course it is a very strong group but I have belief that we won’t be push-overs and the boys will fight. The players now know what is expected of them at the international level and I know they will make it tough for our opponents. My coaches and I will be analysing our opponents in the meantime so that we will be prepared come end of April.”

 

Midfielder Harhys Stewart reflected similar sentiments: “The onus is on us players to do Singapore proud, regardless of the group we are drawn in. We can all draw motivation from playing such opponents, and we will be determined to do our absolute best for Singapore.”

 

The top two in each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on 12 May for the women’s and 13 May for the men’s. The finals will take place on 15 May for the women’s and 16 May for the men’s.

 

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