Forward Danelle Tan attacks, 4 July 2022.

 

MANILA, 4 JULY 2022 – The Lionesses’ Group A opener in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship 2022 ended in a goal-less draw with Malaysia earlier today at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, the Philippines.

 

In rainy conditions, 132^nd-ranked Singapore had the majority of possession during the game against our 85^th-ranked Causeway rivals but were unable to find the finishing touch.

 

Danelle Tan was the outlet for Stephen Ng’s charges and she threatened first in the 12^th minute, picking up midfielder Farhanah Ruhaizat’s excellent lob only to shoot straight at the goalkeeper.

 

Just three minutes later, Tan met midfielder Venetia Lim’s pass and strode forward, but skewed her shot wide under pressure.

 

In the second half, Farhanah made full use of her speed and agility to trouble the Malaysians and was unfortunate not to be rewarded in the 65^th minute. A superb turn left defender Jessica Susanne Mailu for dead before the latter clipped Farhanah in the penalty area, only for the referee to wave play on.

 

At the other end, the Singapore backline was led by captain Ernie Sulastri, who reached her 50^th cap milestone. Together, they worked well to snuff out the Malaysians and goalkeeper Beatrice Tan made several saves to notch her second clean sheet in eight appearances.

 

Midfielder Putri Syaliza dribbles the ball, 4 July 2022.

 

Head Coach Stephen Ng said: “I have to give credit to Malaysia; they gave us a good game. It’s a game that we could have gotten a result in. We created chances but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the goals. I’m proud of how the team went out there and competed, especially as the first game (of the tournament).”

 

Player-of-the-Match Putri Syaliza said: “A game against Malaysia is always hard but I believe that each one of us gave our best and our maximum effort. We had our chances but we couldn’t finish it, but that’s not something we can change anymore. Right now, we need to move on and prepare for the next game.”

 

The stalemate gave the Lionesses their first point in Group A and also put to an end a run of seven consecutive losses against Malaysia.

 

Singapore will next meet the Philippines on Wednesday, 6 July, at 7pm (SGT).

 

Singapore: Beatrice Tan, Nurhidayu Naszri, Stephanie Gigette, Farhanah Ruhaizat, Dhaniyah Qasimah, Danelle Tan, Putri Syaliza, Ernie Sulastri, Umairah Hamdan, Dorcas Chu (Izzati Rosni 74’), Venetia Lim (Lila Tan 46’).

Unused subs: Noor Kusumawati Rosman, Haziqah Haszman, Syazwani Ruzi, Fatin RIdzwan, Irsalina Irwan, Claire Marie Tay, Mastura Jeilani, Nadhra Aqilah, Syafiqah Peer, Afiqah Omar.