The U-22 Indonesian National Team Was Helpless When Facing Lebanon

The U-22 Indonesian national team lost to Lebanon in a test match. (Photo: Twitter/@PSSI)

JAKARTA - The U-22 Indonesian national team suffered defeat in an international trial match ahead of the 2023 SEA Games. Meeting the U-22 Lebanese national team, the Garuda Nusantara squad lost 1-2 to the visitors.

In the match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Senayan on Friday, April 14 evening WIB, Lebanon tried to steal the opportunity first in the early minutes but it was immediately detained by Indonesian players.

In the fifth minute the opportunity came for Indonesia through Jean Kelly Sroyer's breakthrough which broke through the right side of the Lebanese defense in the fifth minute. However, not a single Indonesian player was able to grab the bait.

The match was interesting because two teams were fighting against each other. But that effort did not bear fruit until the end of the first half still ended without a goal.

Entering the second half, Indonesia got a golden opportunity. The ball that Ramadhan Sananta brought in front of the Lebanese goal in the 50th minute, but missed the target.

Lebanon threatened again in the 61st minute, fortunately a low shot from Ali Shaitou was saved by Ernando Ari. Three minutes later Lebanon threatened again, but Ernando managed to parry the free-kick.

In the 83rd minute, Indonesia's deadlock bore fruit with a lead first. The 1-0 score was thanks to an own goal by Ali Al Rida.

This situation is clearly beneficial for the hosts, but instead of adding confidence to suggest more goals, Indonesia conceded instead.

Lebanon was able to make up for their first mistake through the execution of Mohamed Mahdi Sabbah and made the score 1-1 in the 89th minute. Not enough to stop there, Lebanon again doubled the position in the 90+6 minute through Mohammed Naser

This match is the first meeting of two scheduled duels. After this, Indonesia will still meet Lebanon on the schedule for the second trial which will be held on Sunday, April 16.