Singapore's Head Coach Karim Bencherifa has announced his squad for the AFF Women's Cup in Laos, showcasing a balanced mix of fresh talent and seasoned players
SINGAPORE, 19 NOVEMBER 2024 - Singapore Women’s National Team Head Coach Karim Bencherifa has named his 23-player squad for the 2024 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Cup, which will take place in Vientiane, Laos, from 23 November to 5 December 2024.
The young squad boasts an average age of 20.6 years, and is set to feature both fresh talent and veterans who have experience against the best in the region.
Among the new faces is 17-year-old IMG Academy’ Yasmine Zaharin, who was part of the first batch of students who received Singapore’s first-ever overseas football scholarship in partnership with national footballing project Unleash the Roar! (UTR). Geylang International’s goalkeeper Nurul Illyanis and defender Elyssa Qistina have been promoted from the Under-19 squad and will be looking to make their senior debut at the tournament.
Joining Illyanis in goal is Tanjong Pagar United’s Elizabeth Tan, who has been with the team since her call-up in November 2023, as well as Royal Aerion’s Hazel Lim, who previously played for Melbourne based Southern United in Australia’s third-tier National Premier League Women’s (NPLW) Victoria.
Tanjong Pagar United forward Joie Teo and Hougang United midfielder Faith Ho have also earned a spot in the squad for the first time following strong performances in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Notably, Geylang International’s Hamizah Abdul Talib, who has previously participated in four editions of the AFF Women’s Cup, and earned four international caps, makes her return to the national team after eight years.
The team is further strengthened by a core group of experienced overseas-based players, including Oakland University’s Putri Sazali and Melbourne-based Venetia Lim of Boroondara-Carey Eagles, who compete in Australia’s second-tier NPLW Victoria. They are joined by key domestic players such as Lioness captain Rosnani Azman, Farhanah Ruhaizat of Geylang International, and Raudhah Kamis of Hougang United, all of whom have amassed more than 20 international caps.
On the team's aims for the tournament, Coach Karim emphasised: “Our objective is to finish in the top three and qualify for the ASEAN Women’s Championship. We’ve prepared thoroughly for this tournament, and our focus is on delivering the best performance possible.”
Building on that, Captain Rosnani shared her thoughts on the team’s readiness:
“Preparations have been going well, and we’re in a good rhythm. We need to stay positive and give our best. It’s a fair draw for us, and I hope to lead the team to the next round. To our fans, family, and friends, we are determined to make you proud. We will give everything we have to qualify for the next stage.”
The squad will miss several players, including Lion City Sailors’ midfielders Sarah Zu’risqha and Dorcas Chu, due to the recent change in the AFF Women’s Cup dates — from early November to late November — which conflicts with prior commitments. Brisbane Roar’s Danelle Tan will also miss the tournament due to a knee injury, which required surgery the forward is currently recovering from.
This year’s edition of the AFF Women’s Cup has been restructured to serve as a qualifier for the ASEAN Women’s Championship in 2025. The competition will feature six teams in two groups, with each team playing in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, and the top three will qualify for the ASEAN Women’s Championship next year. The changes in the tournament format make every match pivotal in the Lionesses’ campaign to secure qualification.
The team will face Timor-Leste on 26 November and host nation Laos on 29 November at National Stadium KM16 in the group stage. The Lionesses are scheduled to depart for Vientiane on 21 November.
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