Indonesia national team take a victory in first match after beating Burundi national team with a score of 3-1 in the International Friendly ‘A’ Match at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi.
The match had only been running for six minutes, Yakob Sayuri managed to tear the Burundi goal. Starting from Stefano Lilipaly’s cross from the left side, Yakob’s movements were not detected by the opposing defenders. The player from PSM Makassar managed to head the ball and trick the Burundi goalkeeper, Mutobora Fabien.
Indonesia almost doubled their lead in the 10th minute. This time it was Yakob who sent a cross into the penalty box. It was Lilipaly’s turn to head the ball. But Fabien could brush off the ball.
Four minutes later, Indonesia’s second goal really happened. Starting from Lilipaly’s header which was pushed over by the Burundi goalkeeper, Indonesia was able to take advantage of this momentum. Rachmat Irianto provided an assist to Dendy Sulistyawan who stood free in front of the goal. Without difficulty, Dendy broke into Burundi’s goal.
The two quick goals created by Indonesia showed a great collaboration on the front lines. In addition, Burundi’s defense also looks panicked. They seemed unprepared for Indonesia’s swift attack.
The existence of Lilipaly as a wing striker makes the attack sharper. Because he has the composure and accuracy of a good pass. His presence is also a new composition on the front line of Indonesia.
Actually, Burundi is not playing badly. Several times his attacks penetrated the defense of Indonesia. However, the Indonesian defenders did not give space for the Burundi strikers to finish.
Midway through the first half, the team from the African continent began to control the game. Mussa Omar became the organizer of Burundi’s attack, making Indonesian players strengthen their defense.
When starting to defend a lot, Indonesia was actually able to maximize an opportunity through a corner kick. In the 42nd minute, Burundi goalkeeper Fabien made a blunder. He comes out of the nest to do the roving. But the ball fell in front of Rizky Ridho. The 21-year-old defender greeted him with a kick that put Indonesia 3-0 up. This position lasted until the first half ended.
In the second half, Indonesia made a refresher in the midfield. Syahrian Abhimanyu was included. There is a signal that Indonesia wants to dominate the midfield. Because Abhimanyu is strong in holding the ball and can provide a mature ball supply going forward. Meanwhile, Burundi fielded two new players. Player brothers, Jospin Nshimirimana and Ismail Nshimirimana.
Changes in the Burundi camp first bear fruit. In the 50th minute, Pacifique Niyongabire tore the Indonesian net through a fast counter-attack process. Burundi reduced the lag to 1-3. In the second half, Burundi looked more aggressive. Built-in attacks are also more dangerous.
To dampen Burundi’s game, Indonesia is trying to lower the tempo. Jordi Amat, who has been distributing the ball from his own area. Abhimanyu’s role in flowing the ball forward also started to work. This makes the match more interesting. Because the two teams take turns launching attacks.
With 10 minutes remaining in the game, Burundi regained control of the game. In the 84th minute, Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana fired a hard shot from outside the penalty box. Syahrul Fadillah brushed it off, but the next action almost went wrong.
Syahrul’s catches the ball that soars high and escapes. Fortunately, the Indonesian defender managed to secure it. Until the long whistle sounded by referee Razlan Jofri bin Ali, no additional goals were created. So that Indonesia won 3-1.
Indonesia will face Burundi again in the second match on 28 March 2023 at 9.30 pm. (Malaysian time) at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi
Credit Photo : PSSI
