Lionesses 'will go again together' after 3-1 loss

The Singapore women's football team are staring at a third consecutive group-stage exit at the SEA Games and only a miraculous victory against one of the region's best sides will see them avoid another early flight home.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Singapore's Danelle Tan tussling with Indonesia's Reva Octaviani during their 3-1 SEA Games defeat on Dec 7. PHOTO: SINGAPORE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COUNCIL

(SINGAPORE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COUNCIL)

In their opening Group A match at the Games in Thailand on Dec 7, the Lionesses gave their all but their efforts ultimately proved futile as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat by Indonesia in Chonburi.

The result against the 106th-ranked Indonesia at the Institute of Physical Education Chonburi Campus Stadium leaves the world No. 149 Lionesses needing an improbable victory against the 53rd-ranked hosts Thailand on Dec 10 to qualify for the semifinals of the competition for the first time and avoid elimination.

The Thais, who have played in two Women's World Cups in 2015 and 2019, thumped Indonesia 8-0 in their opening match on Dec 4.

The top two of the three-team group — following the withdrawal of Cambodia — and four-team Group B advance to the semifinals.

Even with a David and Goliath challenge looming, Lionesses captain Rosnani Azman said the team are not throwing in the towel.