Indonesia U22 national team, the bronze medalist last time, successfully collected the first 3 points after thrashing the Philippines U22 national team with a score of 3-0 in the 2023 SEA Games Men’s Football Group stage, Group A at Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh.
The first half had only been running for three minutes, Witan Sulaeman already had a pretty good chance. The kick he fired from outside the penalty box was saved by the Philippines goalkeeper, Quincy Kammeraad.
After the opportunity from Witan, the game of the two teams actually went slower. Indonesia is quite difficult to develop the game.
While on the other hand, the U-22 Philippine National Team played more cautiously. They defend more and occasionally try to create quick counter-attack situations.
Ramadhan Sananta tried his luck in the 25th minute. The low kick he fired from outside the penalty box went wide of the Philippines goal.
Pratama Arhan fired his signature throw-in in the 28th minute. The defenders of the Philippines managed to drive the ball from Arhan out of the penalty box.
The ball went to Ananda Raehan’s feet. Quickly fired a hard shot from outside the penalty box.
Unfortunately, the Philippines, Quincy Kammeraad, was still in a state of high focus and was able to catch the ball well.
Jeam Kelly Sroyer had a great chance in the 38th minute. The shot he fired from the edge of the penalty box still flew high over the Philippines goal.
The stalemate in this match was finally broken in the 45th minute. Rio Fahmi’s cross was met with a first-time shot by Marselino Ferdinan. The ball from Marcelino’s shot lodged in the lower right side of the Philippine’s goal.
Indra Sjafri made changes at the start of the second half. Fajar Faturrahman was brought in to replace Jeam Kelly Sroyer.
After just a moment on the field, Fajar Faturrahman already had an opportunity. However, the kick was still far from the target.
Indonesia has a great opportunity. Witan Sulaeman was violated in the penalty box by Santiago Rublico in the 59th minute. The referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot.
However, the U-22 Indonesian National Team failed to take advantage of this opportunity. The shot released by Rizky Ridho was saved by the Philippines U-22 goalkeeper, Quincy Kammeraad.
Entering the final 15 minutes of the second half, Indra Sjafri again made changes. Beckham Putra and Ramadhan Sananta were pulled out. Indra included Muhammad Taufany and Irfan Jauhari to replace the two permits.
Indonesia tried to increase their advantage in the remainder of the second half. As did Ananda Raehan in the 88th minute. Unfortunately, Raehan’s shot was far from the target.
Indonesia was finally able to double their advantage in the 89th minute. Utilizing bait from Muhammad Taufany, Irfan Jauhari managed to break into the Philippines goal with a shot from close range.
Muhammad Faturrahman added another goal for Indonesia in the first minute of second-half injury time. Utilizing a pass from Rio Rahmi, Faturrahman fired a hard half-volley that hit the Philippine’s goal.
Indonesia managed to secure a 3-0 advantage in this match. The victory is expected to be a good start in the 2023 SEA Games.
Credit Photo : CPL