Steady To Top The AFF Cup Group B Standings, Indonesia Destroys Laos 5-1

Indonesian players celebrate their goal against Laos in the 2020 AFF Cup Group B match at Bishan Stadium, Singapore, Sunday 12 December (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team topped the 2020 AFF Cup Group B standings after destroying Laos with a score of 5-1 in the match which took place at Bishan Stadium, Singapore, Sunday.

As reported by Antara, Sunday, December 12, the "Garuda" squad is at the top with six points, ahead on goal difference over Malaysia, which is in second place with the same points. However, the situation could change as Malaysia and Vietnam will face each other on the same day starting at 19.30 western Indonesia time.

The five Indonesian goals were scored by Asnawi Mangkualam, Irfan Jaya, Witan Sulaeman, Ezra Walian and Evan Dimas.

While Laos reduced the position thanks to Kydavone Souvanny's kick.

Indonesia dominated the match from the first minute. However, Laos, which relies on counter-attacks, appears disciplined in defense.

Repeatedly threatening the opponent's territory, Indonesia finally scored in the 23rd minute via Asnawi Mangkualam's penalty kick.

The referee gave 12 kicks after Alfeandra Dewangga was violated by Kydavone Souvanny in the forbidden box.

Leading 1-0, Shin Tae-Yong's men increased the intensity of the attack. The strategy bore fruit with the presence of Irfan Jaya's goal in the 34th minute.

Irfan successfully took advantage of a cross from the right side of Indonesia by scoring the ball into the opponent's goal from close range.

Disadvantaged 0-2, Laos seemed to flinch and appear more biting. Through a counter-attack scheme, coach Vengadasalam Selvaraj's team managed to reduce the scoring gap in the 41st minute.

Kydavone Souvanny scored with a powerful kick from empty space inside the Indonesian penalty box.

The score of 2-1 for Indonesia's advantage was the closing of the first half.

After the break, Shin included attacking players like Witan Sulaeman and Ezra Walian. Elkan Baggott also grazed to strengthen the defense.

As a result, Witan added to Indonesia's goal in the 56th minute with an assist from Irfan Jaya.

Witan then provided an assist for Ezra Walian's goal in the 77th minute. The fifth goal came from Evan Dimas in the 84th minute after getting a good pass from Alfeandra Dewangga. It was Evan's second goal in the 2020 AFF Cup.

Indonesia won 5-1 and was entitled to lead the standings in Group B.