KUALA LUMPUR, 14 JULY 2026 – Singapore opened its AFF Women’s Cup 2026 campaign last night (13 July) with a 1-1 draw against Laos, Danelle Tan’s 47th-minute equaliser cancelling out an early Laos lead to earn the Lionesses a share of the spoils.
It was a night of firsts for 24-year-old Umairah Hamdan, who wore the captain’s armband for the first time at the senior level — and walked away with mixed emotions.
“It’s a mixed feeling. I am grateful that we [managed to earn a point] but at the same time, part of me really wanted to win,” she reflected after the match.
Singapore looked the sharper side for large stretches of the first half, with 16-year-old Ain Salleh going close twice. The forward’s header struck the post from a Sarah Zu’risqha cross in the 8th minute, before a later spell of play saw her weave past three defenders, only to see her follow-up effort saved.
But it was Laos who struck first, forward Anna Keoonsi finishing off a swift counter-attack in the 41st minute — a familiar story for the Laotians, who took the lead in a similar fashion against Malaysia in its previous outing.
Singapore refused to let its heads drop and, just two minutes into the second half, forward Danelle Tan levelled the scores, drilling home a powerful strike for her eleventh international goal.
“Danelle’s equaliser really gave us the fuel. It was a burst of energy for us,” Umairah said.
Much of that belief stemmed from the changing room at halftime. Lioness Head Coach Mihoko Ishida’s words struck a chord, with the young captain making sure they carried through to every player on the pitch.
“Coach told us she didn’t give up on us, so we shouldn’t give up on ourselves and each other. Fighting spirit was the most important thing.”
That fighting spirit was on full display in the closing stages as Singapore pushed for a winner.
18-year-old debutant Mulan Ayliffe almost marked her first senior appearance with a goal, latching onto a Lim Li Xian pass in the 79th minute, only to be denied by the Laos goalkeeper.
It was a moment that did not go unnoticed by her captain.
“She stepped into her role despite coming on during the last 15 to 20 minutes, when the stakes were high. She also matched our energy, which is very commendable for someone so young,” Umairah said.
With Group A still finely poised, Singapore now turns its attention to its final group-stage fixture against Malaysia, where a place in the semi-finals remains up for grabs. While the Lionesses will be targeting all three points, both coach and captain stressed the importance of continuing to build on the positives from Tuesday’s performance.
“The players showed their best, especially in the second half. But now we focus on how we can improve [ahead of the next match against Malaysia]. We hope players show a fighting and positive mindset, with strong confidence,” she said.
Umairah echoed the sentiment: “The team really pushed through, and that’s something I want to bring to the next game — to keep fighting till the last whistle.”
SINGAPORE: Izairida Shakira (GK), Umairah Hamdan (C), Irsalina Irwan (Seri Nurinsyirah 74′), Lim Li Xian, Danelle Tan, Farah Nurzahirah (Mulan Ayliffe 74′), Ain Salleh (Syazwani Ruzi 63′), Yasmine Zaharin, Sarah Zu’risqha (Farhanah Ruhaizat 46′), Kyra Taylor (Dhaniyah Qasimah 63′), Venetia Lim
Unused subs: Lamasan Chantale (GK), Alysha Nasrina (GK), Naureen Qadriyah, Yuvika Suresh, Qarissa Putri, Rosnani Azman, Raeka Ee
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