U-20 Vs China U-20 Indonesian National Team Trial: Penalti Saves Young Garuda From Defeat

JAKARTA - The U-20 Indonesian national team managed to avoid defeat in the test match against China U-20. Appearing at the Madya Stadium, Central Jakarta, on Friday, March 22, 2024, WIB night, Indra Sjafri's squad could force the final score 1-1 after getting a penalty at the end of the match.

The Indonesian U-20 national team, which appeared in front of its own supporters, immediately took the initiative to attack from the start of the match. This effort opens up the first opportunity through Arkhan Kaka's header.

Taking advantage of Riski Afrisal's free kick in the fourth minute, Kaka's header has not paid off.

The movement of Indra Sjafri's team made the opposing team immediately set a alert status. The opportunity was open for China five minutes later through Tang Rui's shot, but Ikram Al Giffari was denied.

Entering the 15th minute, Indonesia U-20 actually missed a goal through a corner kick situation. Starting from a cross from the right, China was able to convert it through Peng Xiao's header and make the score 1-0.

This opening goal belonging to the visitors clearly surprised Garuda Muda. This situation made the hosts step on the gas and sharpen attacks to equalize. Unfortunately until halftime the score did not change.

Continuing to the second half, the game is heating up. Not infrequently physical contact occurs between players. Seeing the situation has not changed much, Indra Sjafri changed tactics by changing players.

Indra Sjafri refreshes in the middle of the second half. The coach immediately rolled out a number of names at once, including Welfer Jardim. The decision made the match even more interesting.

Repeatedly buying and selling attacks occurred. A number of opportunities were also obtained by Garuda Muda towards the end minute, but they could still be countered by the Chinese goalkeeper.

The referee announced injury time for four minutes. At this moment the golden opportunity was in favor of Indra Sjafri's team after Toni Firmansyah was tackled and fell in the penalty box.

The referee awarded a penalty to the hosts which was later executed by Figo Dennis. Taking careful steps, his shot failed to be blocked by the Chinese goalkeeper and finally drew 1-1 as the game ended.