Lionesses depart for AFF Cup in Vietnam

The Lionesses did not fare very well in last year’s competition, placing last in their group after facing defeat in all their matches.  

This year, the tournament is held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from September 13-22, and Singapore has been placed in Group A alongside Philippines, Myanmar, and hosts Vietnam.

Once again, the ladies will face another challenging group playoff, as they face tough opponents such as Vietnam and Myanmar, who made it to the semi-finals and finals respectively in last year’s edition of the cup.

Speaking to Goal.com Singapore, captain Shida Sheriff Baker said: “All I can say is that we will try our best.”

“To say that we will make it to the top 3 is a bit unrealistic, given our past results. It is difficult, given that the team changes every year. Also, we have many young players on board this time.”

She added: “I think the objective this year would be to allow the younger players to gain more exposure in international games. We’re looking towards the future, to develop our younger players. Hopefully then, we can have some kind of standing in the future. "

For 15-year-old midfielder Sitianiwati Rosielin, the youngest player in the squad, the coming tournament is her first time representing Singapore.

“Being the youngest player in the squad, I do feel a bit scared. But there has always been plenty of support from my other teammates,” she said nervously.

Along with teammate Noor Fatin Afiqah, the two young forwards are tipped to shine in September.