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RI beats Brunei 2-0 in Independence Cup
Indonesia's under-21 soccer team made a winning start to the 2008 Independence Cup tournament with a 2-0 victory over Brunei Darussalam at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Thursday
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Indonesia's under-21 soccer team made a winning start to the 2008 Independence Cup tournament with a 2-0 victory over Brunei Darussalam at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Thursday.
The young Indonesians took an attacking initiative from the start against the visitors, with Imanuel Wanggai, Lucky Wahyu and Ghery Setia persistently posing a threat up front.
Under the pressure, Brunei tried to find room for a counterattack, but gave the hosts little trouble. The two teams failed to score in the first half.
With only some 500 spectators in attendance in the sprawling 100,000-seater stadium, Riski Novriansyah put Indonesia in front in the 57th minute.
Indonesia was close to doubling their lead when Rizki Ramdani Lestaluhu's shot from close range was saved by Brunei goalkeeper Mohd Wardun in the 84th minute.
The second goal came four minutes later, when striker Jajang Mulyana latched onto a cross from Riski.
"I feel glad to watch those kids win the game. However, I feel much happier and grateful with the fact my team got its first experience playing in an international event," Indonesia coach Bambang Nurdiansyah said after the match.
He said the U-21 team, Indonesia B, was set to back up the senior team.
"I believe the more they play in big events, the more they can shape themselves into a strong team, ready to take over the boots of their seniors," he said.
Bambang tipped Jajang and Riski to replace their seniors Bambang Pamungkas and Poenaryo Astaman in the A team.
Brunei coach Vjeran Simunic brushed off the loss, saying his side would try to bounce back in upcoming matches.
"We only had 25 days to prepare, so we might not be well prepared. Nevertheless, we will keep our spirits up and play on," he said.
In the second match, Budi Sidarsono hat trick helped Indonesian senior team crush Cambodia 7-0. The other goal scorers included Charis Yulianto, Bambang Pamungkas, and Mohammad Ilham.
The tournament continues on Friday, with Cambodia taking on Myanmar in the first match, and Indonesia B facing Libya in the second match.
