Taif, Saudi Arabia – September 21, 2023: The 2nd edition of the Women’s International Friendly Tournament kicked off on 18 September at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium, in the city of Taif. Running until September 30, the tournament marks another step forward in the promotion of women’s football in the region.
Organized by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)’s Women’s Football Department, this year’s tournament features six talented teams, divided into two competitive groups. In Group A, we have Saudi Arabia (172nd in FIFA rankings), Pakistan (157th), and Malaysia (89th), while Group B consists of Laos (87th), Bhutan (169th), and Lebanon (137th). The participation of West and East Asian national teams for the first time underscores the tournament’s role in enhancing regional cooperation in women’s football.
The tournament kicked off with an action-packed first day, featuring two matches. In the Lebanon vs. Laos match, Lebanon emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-1. Meanwhile, the match between and Malaysia ended in a thrilling 0-0 draw, showcasing the incredible skill and determination of the participating teams. Thursday’s matches will see Pakistan vs Malaysia and Bhutan vs Lebanon.
The timing of this tournament coincides with the recent launch of the documentary “Destined to Play,” a collaborative effort between the SAFF and FIFA. The documentary provides an intimate look at the journey of the Saudi women’s national football team, shedding light on their origins, aspirations, and future ambitions. This initiative further underscores SAFF’s commitment to promoting women’s football and fostering a culture of inclusivity in sports.
The Women’s International Friendly Tournament is the result of collaborative efforts with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the South Asian Football Federation. These partnerships highlight the growing importance of regional cooperation in advancing the women’s football movement.
For more information about the Women’s International Friendly Tournament and related events, please visit www.saff.com.sa