Late Indonesian surge flips Singapore’s early lead, tightening the race for Group A qualification.
A thrilling Group A clash at the 2025 SEA Games reshaped the women’s football landscape as Indonesia overturned Singapore’s early advantage to claim a decisive 3-1 victory. The result reignited Indonesia’s semifinal hopes while placing immense pressure on the Lionesses ahead of their next must-win encounter against Thailand.
Indonesia Strikes Back After Early Singapore Lead
Singapore opened the match with energy and precision at the IPE Stadium in Chonburi. Their breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Danelle Tan delivered a perfectly placed pass to Farhanah Ruhaizat, who fired home confidently for the opening goal.
Indonesia, however, responded swiftly. Just nine minutes later, Dutch-born winger Isa Guusje Warps equalized with a calm finish, shifting the momentum and silencing Singapore’s early celebrations.
A Turning Point Led by Rising Indonesian Stars
After halftime, Indonesia tightened their structure and gradually took control. In the 62nd minute, 16-year-old forward Claudia Alexandra Scheunemann, who plays for Eredivisie club Utrecht Vrouwen, produced a brilliant flick inside the box, giving Indonesia their second goal and flipping the match in their favor.
The Lionesses pushed for a late equalizer, but Indonesian substitute Aulia Mabruroh struck in the 90th+5 minute, sealing the 3-1 victory and strengthening Indonesia’s chance of progressing. With three points now secured, Indonesia awaits the outcome of Wednesday’s match between Thailand and Singapore to determine their semifinal fate.
Singapore’s Uphill Battle for Survival
Ranked 149th in the world, the Lionesses showed clear improvement compared to their recent losses to Indonesia, including a 3-0 defeat in the 2024 AFF Women’s Cup and a 5-1 loss in a 2024 friendly in Jakarta. Captain Siti Rosnani Azman emphasized the team’s resilience, noting their stronger first-half performance and growing confidence.
Rosnani highlighted the team’s determination, despite the daunting challenge of facing 53rd-ranked Thailand on December 10. Thailand, a two-time Women’s World Cup participant, swept Indonesia 8-0 in their opening match, setting the stage for a high-pressure showdown.
A Tournament With Little Room for Error
Group A’s unique structure adds urgency to Singapore’s campaign. With Cambodia’s withdrawal, only three teams remain, and only the top two will advance to the semifinals. Singapore last reached the semis in 1985 when they finished with a historic silver, and the path back will require nothing less than a victory against Thailand.
Momentum, Morale, and What Comes Next
As both sides regroup, Indonesia holds renewed optimism, while Singapore prepares for one of their toughest matches in recent history. The Lionesses’ fate now depends entirely on their performance against Thailand at 5:00 PM Singapore time on December 10.
The Indonesia–Singapore showdown has reshaped Group A’s dynamics, raising the stakes for both nations and heightening regional interest. The result underscores the fast-growing competitiveness of women’s football in Southeast Asia, offering valuable lessons in resilience and strategic play for teams across Indonesia, Singapore, and the broader SIJORI region.
Sources: ASEAN Football (2025) , Active SG Circle (2025)
Keywords: SEA Games 2025, Singapore Lionesses, Indonesia Women’s Football, Group A Match, Chonburi Stadium
