VIENTIANE, 30 NOVEMBER 2024 – As the Singapore Women’s National Team took to the pitch on a sweltering Friday afternoon, the brief was clear: avoiding defeat against the hosts Laos would secure their spot in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Cup 2024. 

But a win would do more than provide a major morale boost, it would send a strong message to any opposition the Lionesses would face in the knockout rounds. And Timor-Leste, having secured their own qualification, were watching from the stands.

And the Lionesses held their ground. 

A first-half strike from Cara Chang, combined with vital clearances, missed opportunities, and two yellow cards, saw the 138th-ranked Lionesses clinch a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the 92nd-ranked hosts. The victory propelled Singapore to the top of Group A and into the semi-finals of the tournament.

Singapore midfielder Cara Chang scored her first senior international goal, November 2024. 

Head Coach Karim Bencherifa was delighted with the resilience of his charges, an attribute he believes fuelled the victory.