2023 AFF U-23 Cup Results: Malaysia Comeback In The Second Round, Indonesia Loses 1-2

The U-23 Indonesian national team lost to Malaysia in the inaugural match of the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup, Friday, August 18. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team lost points in the first match of the 2023 AFF U-23 Group B Phase at Rayong Stadium, Thailand on Friday, August 18. Malaysia's comeback in the second half made the Garuda Muda squad lose 1-2.

Indonesia performed optimally at the beginning of the first half by trying to push it far into the opponent's defense. Several attempts almost opened up points but still missed.

It was only in the 23rd minute that the deadlock of Shin Tae-yong's team ended. The U-23 national team took a 1-0 lead through the slick goal of Ramadhan Sananta in the 28th minute.

After the opening goal belonged to Indonesia, the pressure of the game grew. The reason is, the opposing team tried to catch up.

The U-23 national team is also getting bolder to double the number. However, this effort encountered obstacles when Irfan Jauhari suffered an injury and was replaced by Ragil.

Seeing that situation, Malaysia seemed to be taking a gap. However, their efforts were fruitless until the referee blew the whistle indicating halftime.

Entering the second half, it was Malaysia's turn to try to read the movement of the U-23 national team. Instead of mastering the game and adding goals, Shin Tae-yong's team even received threats from the Malaysian substitute, Total Tierney.

Penalti diberikan kepada Malaysia pada menit ke-53 setelah Kadek Arel melanggar Total Tierney. Kadek mengganggal Tierney dari belakang.

Tierney himself, who came forward as the executioner and succeeded in producing results for Malaysia. The 1-1 draw through Tierney's kick led to the middle and was able to outwit goalkeeper Ernando Ari who moved to the right.

This draw makes the match even more exciting because Indonesia and Malaysia have the same strong chance of winning. This time the game of the two teams went more openly and even Malaysia could reply to Indonesia's attacks well.

The attack that the U-23 national team continued to attack made them careless in the defense. It was seen when Malaysia was able to control the ball from the left side.

Entering the 60th minute, the chaos occurred in the U-23 national team penalty box, Kadek Arel made a mistake by kicking the ball and instead being controlled by Tierney.

Tenuously Tierney kicked the ball with his right foot nested on the left side of the goal of Ernando Ari. Malaysia took a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute.

After being left behind by one point, the U-23 national team continued to put pressure on Malaysia either through Jeam Kelly Sroyer or Esal Sahrul, but that already has not been able to change the position.

Sananta's header in the 89th minute was almost an opportunity after taking advantage of Frengky Missa's cross. But it still hasn't been able to change things.

Until 90+10 minutes Sananta and Ragil continued to fight for the ball that was passed by Esal. Unfortunately, Indonesia's chances of equalizing were wasted because the referee blew the long whistle with a final score of 1-2 which was won by Malaysia.