TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia U-23 lost to Syria U-23 in a friendly match at Wibawa Mukti Stadium in Bekasi District on November 16. Both teams played a 2-2 draw in the first half.
In a rainy condition, both teams were struggling to control the ball and misplacing their passes on several occasions.
Indonesia trailed 1-0 when Syria striker Moumen Naji bundled home that ball that could not be caught by goalkeeper Satria Tama.
Read: Indonesia U-23 Held Syria U-23 in First-Half
Luis Milla’s men drew level through a quick counter six minutes later. Osvaldo Haay dribbled through the right flank and provided an assist to Septian David Maulana who’s right footed shot went in, changing the score to 1-1.
Indonesia trailed once again in the 43rd minute. Naji scored a free kick that failed to be stopped by Satria Tama.
Indonesia equalized following Febri Haryadi’s penetration before crossing the ball into the box that was met with Osvaldo Haay’s header to make it 2-2 in the first half.
In the second half, Syria scored an early goal after Al Rahman Barakat headed the ball into the net. The Garuda Muda trailed 2-3.
Milla made a double substitution in the last 15 minutes of the game. Egy Maulana Vikri and Miftahul Hamdi replaced Septian David Maulana and Osvaldo Haay.
Indonesia U-23 failed to equalize until the final whistle was blown by Vietnam referee Ngu Duy Land. The match ended with a 2-3 win over Syria.
EGI ADYATAMA
