'Gebuk' Philippines 2-0 In The AFF-U-16 Cup, Indonesia Sits In Second Place In Group A

The Indonesian U-16 national team (in red and white uniforms) competes against the Philippines/ Via ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Indonesian U-16 national team defeated the Philippines 2-0 in the 2022 AFF U-16 Cup Group A match at the Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Sunday, July 31 night.

The victory thanks to an own goal from the Filipino player Jared Pena and the contribution of striker Arkhan Kaka Purwanto brought Indonesia to second place in the Group A standings.

Indonesia has less goal difference than Vietnam in first place, which on the same day beat Singapore 5-1. The Philippines is in third place and Singapore is the bottom team.

In the match against the Philippines, the coach of the Indonesian U-16 national team, Bima Sakti, fielded a 14-year-old player Arkhan Kaka Purwanto. Arkhan is placed as the lone striker in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

However, from the first minute, Indonesia was under pressure from the Philippines. The squad nicknamed "Garuda Asia" was focused on defending while looking at the possibility to counterattack. This strategy resulted in a goal in the fourth minute.

Through a counterattack, the Indonesian U-16 national team flowed the ball to the right side where Arkhan Kaka was waiting.

Arkhan then combed the wings and released a cross into the penalty box. The ball was anticipated by Philippines midfielder Jared Pena, but veered into his own net. Leading by one goal, Indonesia slowly took over the dominance of the match. They consistently threaten the fort of the Philippines, especially through passes from the wings.

Noted, after the first goal, Indonesia released four kicks on target into the opponent's goal. Those relentless trials resulted in the second goal for Indonesia in the 38th minute.

The goal was made by Arkhan Kaka who took advantage of defender Habil Akbar's pass from the left side.

No goals were created after that. Indonesia was 2-0 up until the game entered the break.

After halftime, Indonesia did not relax the attack. However, they struggled to score goals.

A total of two Indonesian experiments hit the post and several shots were not on target.

The goals that both teams hoped for did not arrive. The position of 2-0 for Indonesia's victory lasted until the match was over.

In the next Group A match, Wednesday, August, Indonesia will play Singapore starting at 20.00 WIB at the Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Yogyakarta. Previously, starting at 15.00 WIB at the Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, the Philippines, they will face Vietnam.