Indonesia U-16 Still Needs Improvements Despite Winning Against The U-16 Philippines

The U-16 Indonesian national team won 3-0 over the U-16 Philippines (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The U-16 Indonesian national team coach, Nova Arianto, still has a record for his team despite winning 3-0 over the U-16 Philippines in the second match of the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup group.

The U-16 Indonesian national team met the Philippines in the second match of Group A at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, on Monday, June 24, 2024, WIB night.

In that match Nova Arianto's team won thanks to goals from Evandra Florasta and brace Mierza Firjatullah.

Nova did not forget to appreciate the hard work of his troops who could gain the second victory in the group.

"We are grateful that the players can fight to the fullest so that we can get three points," he said in a statement quoted on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

"We have predicted that from the start, the physical problems of the Philippine team earlier in the 70th minute seemed to have started to fall (the game)," said Nova.

Even though they earned three points, the match was quite difficult. The strong defense of the U-16 Philippines made Indonesia U-16 unable to score goals for an hour of the game running.

Garuda Muda's goal was only created in the 65th minute before finally increasing in the 71st and 90+2.

Nova assessed the difficulties experienced by his troops because they were not creative enough. He also asked his students to be even more creative for further steps in the tournament which has the other name ASEAN Championship U-16.

"Once again I say, this is not an easy game. It's not easy for us because we can see defensively the U-16 Filipino players making a compact defense at the back," he said.

"Actually, we have strengthened it in training, but I ask players to develop even more. With the situation their opponents are making a compact defense behind, players must be more creative to get out of that situation," Nova said again.

The three points achieved over the U-16 Philippines increase the chances of the U-16 Indonesian national team qualifying for the semifinals. From the two matches that led to victory, Garuda Muda now leads the Group A standings with six points.

Furthermore, Putu Panji and his friends will face Laos U-16 as the match to determine the group winner. The third Group A party will be held at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, WIB night.