Shin Tae-yong Calls Ernando Ari's Penalty Rescue A Crucial Moment

Ernando Ari Sutaryadi saved the Australian U-23 (Instagram/@nandoariiss) penalty.

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team won over Australia U-23 in the second match of Group A of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Garuda Muda narrowly won 1-0 through Komang Teguh's goal in the 45th minute. Despite the winning goal, the spotlight was on the heroic actions of the U-23 Indonesian national team throughout the match.

Indonesia U-23 almost conceded first in the 25th minute when Australia U-23 was awarded a penalty.

Luckily, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi managed to thwart Mohamed Toure's penalty. The rescue was the moment of Garuda Muda's revival.

This was also agreed by Shin Tae-yong. Ernando's brilliant action burned the team's fighting spirit.

"It was a moment when we almost conceded a penalty. However, our goalkeeper saved the penalty. It was a crucial moment in this match," Shin Tae-yong said on the AFC website.

The U-23 Indonesian national team then became more solid in raising defenses to withstand the onslaught of Australia U-23.

At the end of the first half match, Marselino Ferdinand and colleagues finally found momentum to threaten the opponent through a corner.

The opportunity was successfully used after Nathan Tjoe-A-On's kick in the penalty box was deflected by Komang Teguh with his header.

The goal was in fact not the culmination of the crucial moment of Indonesia's U-23 revival after Ernando's penalty save.

However, Garuda Muda's struggle to withstand Olyroos' repeated attacks throughout the second half to keep the advantage at its peak.

"I think Komang accidentally touched the ball. That's when we felt in a precarious state," said Shin Tae-yong.

Indonesia U-23's victory over Australia U-23 has again opened up opportunities for qualifying for the knockout stages. Now, Garuda Muda is in second place in the Group standings with three points from two matches.

In the last match of Group A, Shin Tae-yong's troops will face Jordan U-23, Sunday, April 21, 2024.

The additional motivation of the victory over Australia's U-23 will be brought in order to achieve the three-point target.