TEMPO.CO, Hanoi - The Indonesian national U19 team secured their second win in the AFF Championship 2016 at Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre, Hanoi, Tuesday, September 20, 2016, following a 4-3 win over Cambodia. Attacking midfielder Saddil Ramdani had a man-of-the-match performance with a hattrick.

The Indonesian national team found themselves trailing after Cambodian midfielder In Sodavid opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a beautifully taken long-range free kick.

Eduard Tjong’s boys were stung by the goal and started to build attack. Indonesia levelled the score at the 29th minute with Muhammad Rafli’s close-range finish from Pandi Lestaluhu’s corner.

Three minutes later Saddil Ramdani doubled the lead by converting Muhammad Rafli’s assist. The first half ended 2-1 to Indonesia.

In the second half, the national U19 team continued to make the press. Saddil’s hard drive extended Indonesia’s lead to 3-1.

Cambodia caught Indonesia off guard when defender Yue Safy reduced the deficit to 2-3 after he scored a scrappy goal past goalkeeper Awan Setho Raharjo in the 67th minute.

Cambodia’s Long Phearath made it all square 3-3 at the 73rd minute from the penalty spot.

Saddil’s third goal ensured Indonesia took all three points after he put the ball into Cambodia net in the 92nd minute following a goalmouth scramble.

Despite the win, Indonesia did not make it through to the semifinals of the AFF Championship 2016. Indonesia only managed to garner two wins in five matches. Indonesia suffered three successive defeats in their first three matches against Myanmar, Thailand and Australia, respectively.

INDRA WIJAYA