Beating Kuwait 2-1 In 2023 Asian Cup Qualification, Indonesian National Team Record Historic Victory

Indonesian National Team (Photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA - Goals from Marc Klok and Rachmat "Rian" Irianto managed to bring the Indonesian national team to a historic victory over Kuwait with a score of 2-1 in the 2023 Asian Cup Qualification Group A match in Kuwait, Wednesday night local time.

The victory is historic because the last time Indonesia recorded a similar result was in 1980.

Launching Antara, in the match which took place at the International Stadium l Jaber Al-Ahmad, Kuwait, the host actually took the lead through Yousef Al Sulaiman's goal.

The Indonesian national team itself went down with a 5-2-3 formation. "Garuda" squad coach Shin Tae-yong puts Pratama Arhan, Elkan Baggott, Fachruddin Aryanto, Rizky Ridho and Rachmat Irianto in defense.

While the middle sector is filled with Marc Klok and Ricky Kambuaya. As the pounding on the opponent's fort, there was a trio of Saddil Ramdani, Irfan Jaya and Stefano Lilipaly.

With such a composition, Indonesia appears to be defending and relying on counterattacks. These tactics run neatly and disciplinedly, making it difficult for Kuwait to develop the game.

In the 17th minute, Klok had a chance, but his shot went wide of the opponent's goal.

Kuwait responded with an Eid Al Rashidi (26 ') kick which was well parried by Nadeo Argawinata.

Five minutes later, Saddil fired a shot that hit the side of the net.

However, Kuwait finally broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through Yousef Al Sulaiman's header which received feedback from Bader Al Almotawaa.

However, that advantage did not last long. Through a quick attack, Indonesia made Kuwait's defense panicked.

Goalkeeper Rashed Al Dousari violated Rachmat Irianto in the forbidden box which eventually resulted in a penalty kick. Marc Klok stepped up as the executor and managed to do his job well in the 44th minute.

Marc Klok after scoring a goal against Kuwait (Photo: PSSI)

The 1-1 score lasted until the game entered the break.

In the second half, Shin included new players such as Witan Sulaeman and Muhammad Rafli.

The decision proved right. Witan's movement in the opponent's penalty box resulted in chaos which was used perfectly by Rachmat Irianto in the 46th minute. Indonesia also reversed the position to lead 2-1.

After that, the two teams played more openly and exchanged attacks. Indonesia desperately survived the pressure of the Kuwaiti players who were trying to score goals.

In the end, no other goals were scored in that match. Indonesia locked the win with a score of 2-1.

These positive results brought Indonesia to the first place in the standings of Group A of the 2023 Asian Cup Qualification with a collection of three points.

Next in Group A, Sunday, June 12 GMT+7 (Western Indonesian Time or WIB), Indonesia will face Jordan.