TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Indonesia loses to Vietnam in AFF U-23 soccer final
Change Size
Members of junior national soccer team Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) pose with Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) chief Erick Thohir and Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC) president Raja Sapta Oktohari following the Asian Football Federation (AFF) U-23 Championship final in Thailand on Aug. 27, 2023. Indonesia finished the tournament as runner-up after losing the final to Vietnam in a 6-to-5 penalty shootout. (Antara/Dhemas Reviyanto)
T
he Indonesian men's soccer team came out of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-23 Championship as runner-up on Saturday night after losing an intense final to Vietnam on penalties.
The defeat at Thailand’s Rayong Stadium soured the mood of millions of Indonesians, although the country's soccer association encouraged the junior national team Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) to keep their heads up as they geared up for even bigger competitions in the coming months.
Heading into Saturday’s final, hopes were high among fans that the team could replicate its recent success at the South East Asian (SEA) Games.
The team had its first real chance in the 26th minute when it was awarded a free kick. Rifky Dwi Septiawan’s shot, however, was blocked by Vietnamese goalkeeper Quan Van Chuan.
Minutes later, Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari saved a Vietnamese penalty, preventing Indonesia from falling behind before the second half.
Another free kick, taken this time by Indonesia’s Ramadhan Sananta, hit the crossbar at the 76th minute, causing the match to go into extra time. Another 30 minutes of soccer still failed to separate the two sides.
Indonesia lost the final in a 6-to-5 penalty shootout after a tame shot by keeper Ernando was blocked by his Vietnamese counterpart.
