TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia U-23 held Syria U-23 2-2 in the first half of an international friendly match held at Wibawa Mukti Stadium, Bekasi District. After trailing twice, Luis Milla men came back to draw.
Playing in a rainy condition, both teams were struggling to control the ball and often misplaced their passes.
Syria, however, seemed to be more in control of the game due to their superior physical attributes. Indonesia U-23 national team players were forced to foul their opponents on several occasions.
The Garuda Muda had a glorious chance to score in the 25th minute when Febri Haryadi got past a Syrian defender and cross into the box but Osvaldo Haay’s header went over.
The visiting team led in the 30th minute after goalkeeper Satria Tama parried the ball into the path of Moumen Naji who put the ball into the opponent’s net.
In the 35th minute, Septian David made it 1-1 with a ferocious shot in the penalty box. Eight minutes later Syria led once again through Moumen Naji with a placed shot.
But the lead only lasted 2 minutes after a quick break from Indonesia U-23 saw Febri Haryadi delivered a cross for Osvaldo Haay to score a tap-in and changed the score to 2-2 until the end of the first half.
FEBRIYAN