U-23 Asian Cup Qualification Results: Witan Sulaeman Scores Beautiful Goal, Indonesia Still Loses To Australia

Amiruddin Bagus Kahfi (Photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian U-23 national team must recognize Australia's superiority when the two meet in the first leg of Group G Qualifying for the 2022 U-23 Asian Cup at Republican Central Stadium, Tajikistan, Tuesday night. Garuda's squad lost 2-3.

In this match, the Garuda Muda squad relied on the attacking duo of Amiruddin Bagus Kahfi and Hanis Saghara. This duet is supported by Witan Sulaeman, Gunansar Mandowen, and Ramai Rumakiek.

Behind them, there is Rachmat Irianto who serves as a defensive midfielder. The defender quartet consisted of Pratama Arhan, Rizky Ridho, Alfeandra Dewangga and the captain Asnawi Mangkualam Bahar.

Indonesia vs Australia (Photo: PSSI)Caption

Meanwhile, the goal for the Garuda Muda squad, which was managed by coach Shin Tae-yong, was escorted by Ernando Ari.

Since the first minute, Australia has launched a barrage of attacks into the Indonesian defense area. They even had the opportunity to take a quick lead in the fourth minute.

Lewis Miller was dropped by Ramai Rumakiek in the penalty box, so the referee gave a penalty for Indonesia. Luckily, the execution of the penalty that was taken by Patrick Wood was captured by Ernando. Until halftime, the score was still a goalless draw.

Good save, Nando!#KitaGaruda #MeraihImpian #TimnasDay pic.twitter.com/KW2IHvDQau

— PSSI (@PSSI) October 26, 2021

In the second half, Australia kept pressing tight. They confined Indonesia by relying on superior posture.

The Kangaroo Country squad that fielded defender Jordan Bos, the player who in 2018 helped beat Indonesia in the U-16 Asian Cup quarter-finals, repeatedly frustrated Indonesia's chances.

However, in the 52nd minute, Australia took the lead thanks to a header from Mark Tokich. They even doubled their lead through Patrick Wood four minutes later.

Indonesia vs Australia (Photo: PSSI)

Indonesia reacted. In the 66th minute, Witan Sulaiman's beautiful shot from outside the penalty box broke into Nicholas Suman's goal.

However, instead of equalizing, Shin Tae-yong's team broke again. This time by Australia's mainstay midfielder, Jacob Italiano in the 7th minute.

Indonesia managed to reduce the defeat through Taufik Hidayat. The Persija Jakarta striker scored a goal in the 83rd minute. However, the 3-2 result for Australia's victory did not change until the referee whistled at the end of the match.

The two teams will meet again in the second leg which will take place next Friday at the same place.

Here is the line-up for the two teams.

Indonesian U-23 National Team: Ernando Ari-pg, Pratama Arhan, Rizky Ridho, Alfeandra Dewangga, Asnawi Mangkualam (captain), Rachmat Irianto, Witan Sulaeman, Gunansar Mandowen, Ramai Rumakiek, Amiruddin Bagus, Hanis Saghara.

Australia U-23 National Team: Nicholas Suman-pg, Jordan Perkins, Jordan Bos, Lewis Miller, Marc Tokich, Fabian Monge, Lachlan Brook, Luke Duzel, Patrick Wood, Jacob Italiano, Adisu Bayew.