JAKARTA - The Indonesian U-17 national team led the standings of Group B of the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a score of 3-2 at Pakansari Stadium, Cibinong, Bogor, Wednesday.

The victory made Indonesia collect six points from two matches. It was reported that Antara, the Bima Sakti coach's squad was ahead of the "head to head" and the goal difference was from the second place in the UAE, which also played six points but out of three matches.

The position at the top of the standings makes Indonesia's opportunity to qualify for the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup wide open.

In the match against the UAE, Indonesia appeared tactical and compact from the start of the match. Relying on the trio of Muhammad Nabil Ashura, Arkhan Kaka and Muhammad Riski Afrisal in front, Indonesia has consistently attacked the opponent's defense.

As a result, in the 18th minute, Indonesia opened the scoring through Muhammad Nabil Ashura's volley which took advantage of Habil Yafi's left back.

Arkhan Kaka striker, who maximized Muhammad Kafiatur Rizky's through ball, doubled Indonesia's position in the 30th minute.

However, two minutes later, the UAE reduced the position to 1-2 through Waleed Mallalla which completed the "solo run" in Indonesia's defense area.

The goal made the UAE even more excited. The team, which was handled by coach Alberto Gonzalez, finally equalized in the 40th minute thanks to Ghaith Abdalla's goal contribution.

The score of 2-2 marks the match entering the break period.

After halftime, Indonesia immediately pressed the UAE as soon as the whistle sounded.

That strategy was accurate because Arkhan Kaka again listed his name on the scoreboard in the 55th minute. It became Arkhan's sixth goal in the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

After that goal, Indonesia implemented defensive tactics, especially after the entry of anchored midfielder Mokhamad Hanif Ramadhan.

The UAE took advantage of the situation by turning to threaten Indonesia, but they were difficult to penetrate the wall built by the squad nicknamed Garuda Asia.

No other goals were created, Indonesia also locked a 3-2 victory over the UAE.

The following is the line-up for both teams.

Indonesian U-17 national team: Andrika Fathir Rachman-pg, Habil Abdillah, Muhammad Iqbal Gwijangge (captain), Sulthan Zaky, Rizdjar Subagja, Figo Dennis, Achmad Zidan, Muhammad Kafiatur Rizky, Muhammad Nabil Ashura, Muhammad Riski Afrisal, Arkhan Kaka.

The United Arab Emirates U-17 national team: Hamdan Mohamed Alhammadi-pg, Rashid Saif Alshamsi, Saeed Amer Mohammad (captain), Hussain Mahmood Lengawi, Abdalla Ahmed Alblooshi, Ghaith Abdalla Almusharkh, Ali Jaber Sayah, Mohammed Jumah Almansori, Ahmed Mohamed Katta, Abdulaziz Mohamed Almarzooqi, Waleed Mallalla Alhammadi.


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