JAKARTA - Jordan U-23 lost badly to Indonesia U-23 with a score of 1-4 in the last match of Group A of the U-23 Asian Cup at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Sunday, April 21, 2024.
Garuda Muda's four goals were scored by Marselino Ferdinand's brace (23' & 70'), Witan Sulaeman (40'), and Komang Teguh (86').
While one goal from Jordan U-23 came from Justin Hubner's own goal in the 79th minute.
Jordan U-23 coach Abdallah Abu Zema confirmed that Indonesia U-23 deserved to win in that match.
"We congratulate Indonesia. They played an extraordinary match and deserved to win today."
"Our plan is to score first and if we do, I think the game will benefit us and we will win."
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"However, after we conceded the first goal, Indonesia took full control and we were unable to reply."
"There is no justification for the defeat and there is no reason to be eliminated from the group stage," Abu Zema said on the AFC official website.
Abu Zema also noted that Jordan U-23 could not overcome Indonesia's U-23 game which was fairly smooth and showed a quick transition from defending to attacking as the main asset.
In addition, Garuda Muda was strengthened by nine players with experience being part of the senior Indonesian national team squad in the 2023 Asian Cup.
Judging by this, Abu Zema admitted that his team had serious homework. The final settlement is still a problem after analyzing three Group A matches.
They had many chances, but always failed to make good use of it. Abu Zema also emphasized that he would be responsible for the team's performance which made them eliminated early. "The players played very well in the first two matches, where we were unlucky. However, we didn't play as desired (against Indonesia U-23)."
"I take full responsibility for this defeat. I apologize to the fans and the people of Jordan and (again) I take full responsibility for today's results," said the 48-year-old coach.
Jordan U-23 ended Group A's journey with one point and scored two goals from three matches. They are only perched at the bottom of the standings.
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