Under the blinding lights of Our Tampines Hub, two of the best teams in Singapore came together to display camaraderie through the Cafe Football (CF) Charity Cup 2024 on Friday evening
Singapore, 12 January 2024 – Flags waved in unison, creating a zestful flutter among passionate Lion City Sailors fans in the stands while chants played a vital part in keeping the spirits of the players high. Despite being foes on the field, the teams were united by a common goal: to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need beyond the final whistle.Â
Played in support of Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation, the match saw a youthful and vibrant Women’s Premier League-winning Lion City Sailors team go up against the strong-willed Women’s National League champions Royal Arion, whose team features four Thai nationals with FIFA Women’s World Cup experience. The match was a thrilling one from kickoff to the blow of the final whistle, ending with the Sailors emerging victorious in a 4-2 win.
In the 37th minute, The Sailors’ new signing, Qarissa Putri made the first mark on the scoresheet through a clinical lobbed finish which earned a collective roar from the fans.Â
Sarah Zu'rishqha followed suit five minutes later when she too announced her Sailors arrival in style. The teenager – arriving from Albirex Niigata – launched a right-footed shot from outside the box amidst cheers to shoot from the stands and her teammates. The shot whizzed past Thai custodian Waraporn Boonsing and into the top left corner.
Just a mere few minutes after the start of the second half, a clumsy handball given away by Royal Arion widened the score gap as Nur Izzati stepped up to calmly slot the ball into goal.
Despite being behind for most of the match, Royal Arion continued to put up a tough fight. In the 75th minute, Pikul Khueanpet pulled a goal back, causing the previously subdued Royal Arion fans to erupt into cheers of relief.Â
With only five minutes to go, Sara Hayduchok headed home a precisely taken corner by Miray Altun, who earned herself an assist.
The match came to a close as Orapin Waenngoen joined her fellow national teammate to make it 4-2.Â
As the final whistle was blown, the stadium was engulfed in cheers, not just for the goals scored but also for the much greater cause of the CF Charity Cup. Beyond the goals and tackles on the green stage, the matches were testament to how football, at its core, is more than just a sport.
With the prize money of SGD$11,000 being donated to Singapore Breast Cancer Foundation, the CF Charity Cup showed that even within the realm of football, there lies a formidable platform to raise awareness and funds for important causes in our society, highlighting the true beauty of the sport.