TAIF — On Monday, the Saudi women's national football team opened their participation in the international neutral tournament with a scoreless draw against Malaysia.
King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Taif, western Saudi Arabia, hosted the match.
Leila Ali, Sara Khalid, Mariam Al-Tamimi, Bandari Mubarak, Seba Tawfiq, Mawadi Abdulmohsen, Leen Mohammed, and Athaa Fahd were notable absentees from the Saudi starting lineup due to injuries or a lack of preparedness.
The Saudi national team is preparing for its upcoming match against Pakistan under the direction of coach Rosa Lappi-Seppala.
Pakistan finished second in the inaugural international tournament, which is scheduled to begin on Monday. The competition will last until the end of the month.
In a subsequent match of the same tournament, the Lebanese national team earned their first victory by defeating Laos 4-1.
The opening goal scored by Zuhwa Arabi of the Lebanese national team against Laos drew attention. Goals scored by players Cecil Iskandar, Waad Raad, and Laila Iskandar bolstered the victory.
The tournament consists of two divisions. The first group consists of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Malaysia, whereas the second group consists of Lebanon, Laos, and Bhutan.
Each group's best two teams will advance to the tournament's semifinals.
