Can't find what you're looking for?
View all search resultsCan't find what you're looking for?
View all search resultsHeads up: Indonesia’s defender Gavin Kwan (left) is fended off by a Cambodian player during an official friendly match at National Stadium in Phnom Penh on Thursday
span class="caption">Heads up: Indonesia’s defender Gavin Kwan (left) is fended off by a Cambodian player during an official friendly match at National Stadium in Phnom Penh on Thursday. Indonesia won 2-0.(Courtesy of Soccer Federation of Cambodia)
Indonesia’s head coach Luis Milla is happy with the good performance his men put in during their soccer friendly against Cambodia and he is looking for another success when the Garuda meets Puerto Rico for the first time next week.
“We’re happy about the victory. This is my first win in an international match with the Indonesian team — [it feels more special] because it was an away game,” Milla said in a statement.
The Cambodian match, held at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh on Thursday, was an official international friendly match, which was sanctioned by the world soccer body, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Indonesia won 2-0, thanks to senior player Irfan Bachdim and talented substitute Gian Zola, to maintain its triumphant record against Cambodia.
The Spaniard lauded Irfan and his teammates’ top performance — a great booster for the players’ confidence in future matches.
“Cambodia is a good team; they pressed us in the first half. I hope we can enjoy another win when playing against Puerto Rico,” added Milla.
Indonesia is set to meet Puerto Rico at the Maguwoharjo Stadium in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on June 13.
Echoing the coach, midfielder Gavin Kwan said he was grateful for the victory.
“I’m honored to have been picked for the Cambodian friendly. We worked really hard for the win. I hope we can repeat it when we face Puerto Rico,” added Gavin, who plays for Barito Putera soccer club in Indonesia’s Liga 1 top-tier league.
The host team started Thursday’s match in a relaxed mode as it was supported by the home crowd.
The Indonesian squad, nevertheless, did not take the friendly lightly as it was backed by senior players such as Irfan, Bayu Pradana, Fachruddin Wahyudi, Adam Alis and captain Kurnia Meiga.
The visitors had the opportunity to breach Cambodia’s goal in the ninth minute through Marinus Wanemar, but he failed to finish well.
Cambodia’s Prak Monyudom fought back in the 14th minute as he managed to put the ball in the net, but it was offside.
The host team got into its stride as it continuously pressed the visitors, especially when Chreng Polroth produced a long-range strike against Indonesia’s goal. The ball however was perfectly blocked by goalkeeper Kurnia.
Influential player Irfan showed his class. In an instant he found an opportunity in Cambodia’s half and easily passed Sou Yaty to score in the 26th minute.
Being left behind, Cambodia tried to hit back in the 34th and 36th minutes through Khuin Laboravy but Kurnia did his job flawlessly.
Three minutes before half time, Indonesia’s winger Febri Hariyadi posed a threat from a cross, but Yaty was prepared.
Indonesia opened the second half at a slow pace as it maintained its domination. Midfielder Adam Alis created an assist in the 58th minute to Febri, but the latter missed the net as he aimed too high.
In the 72nd minute, Adam was injured and could not carry on. He was substituted by Gian Zola, a talented young player from Persib Bandung.
Milla made a perfect decision on Gian as he capitalized on Irfan’s accomplishment by contributing the second goal for Indonesia’s solid 2-0 victory.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Under-16 squad defeated Singapore 4-0 in a test match at Wibawa Mukti Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, also on Thursday.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.