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Indonesia humbled by Singapore 2-0 in AFF
(JP/J
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(JP/J. Adiguna)
Indonesia midfielder Firman Utina (photo above) was challenged by Singapore defender John Wilkinson (center) in a Group A match of the AFF Suzuki Cup soccer tournament at Bung Karno Main Stadium in Central Jakarta on Tuesday in which the home side’s unbeaten run in the competition ended with a 2-0 hammering.
Playing in front of a near-capacity stadium, largely consisting of home supporters, Indonesia’s players appeared stunned when the visitors scored in the second minute through a Baihaki Bin Khaizan’s free kick.
The Red-and-White squad reacted positively with good team play from its trio of Budi Sudarsono, Arif Suyono and Bambang Pamungkas, but failed to find an equalizer in the first half.
Matters worsened when the visitors widened the gap in the 50th minute when Shi Jiayi scored a curling effort — again from a freekick outside of the penalty box — that found a chink in Indonesia’s defensive wall and beat Indonesian goalkeeper Markus Horison.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, Indonesia failed to capitalize on its chances.
“We had several chances to score, but we just missed them. I don’t know what’s wrong with my players,” said Indonesia’s head coach Benny Dollo during the post-match press conference.
The result leaves Singapore in the top spot of Group A with three wins in three. Indonesia is in second with two wins and a loss. Both have secured berths to play in the tournament’s semifinals.
In the other Group A match at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, West Java, Myanmar edged Cambodia 3-2. — JP
