RI soccer team returns home somber

The Indonesian national team returned home in a somber mood following a shocking defeat by Malaysia 3-0 in the first leg of the ASEAN Football Federation Cup finals in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

Kompas.com reported the Indonesian players and coach Alfred Riedl did not smile as they arrived at the Sultan Hotel, Senayan, on Monday.

“That was normal. Even if we only lost 1-0, it would still hurt. We need support from all sides to overcome the pressure,” team manager Andi Darussalam Tabusala said, as quoted by kompas.com.

Although the team’s supporters remained enthusiastic in welcoming their arrival, the Indonesian players preferred to go straight to their hotel rooms.

“We thank them for the support. It’s hard for our team, but we will recover. We still have one more match,” Andi said.