Playing with 9 men, U23 Indonesia lost to U23 Qatar

Indonesia U23 entered the 2024 AFC U23 Championship finals with a match against host Qatar U23. Contrary to many people's predictions, Indonesia was the team that dominated the ball control in the first half. The appearance of Ivar Jenner helped Indonesia's midfield win the one-on-one battles.

Overall, Qatar played a deadlocked game and rarely created any notable chances towards Ernando Ari’s goal. Meanwhile, Indonesia continued to use their special “weapon”. Arhan Pratama continuously had very strong throw-ins but Ferrari and his teammates in the penalty area were unable to take advantage.

Qatar's chances came from individual efforts from Sabah or Al Rawi but were unclear. However, it was Indonesia who almost scored the opening goal. In the 39th minute, Rafael Struick beat two opposing players and shot the ball against the post.

Controlling the ball more but not scoring, Indonesia had to pay the price. In the 45+1 minute, Rizky Ridho fouled the home team's striker and a penalty was awarded to Qatar. Sabah easily converted the 11-meter kick to break the deadlock of the match.

In the second half, Indonesia continued to be at a disadvantage. In the 46th minute, from an unclear collision situation, Ivar Jenner unexpectedly received a second yellow card and was sent off. However, Indonesia still played with determination and caused many difficulties for Qatar. But the scenario of the first half repeated itself.

In the 54th minute, Al Rawi took a dangerous free kick from 27 meters away, the ball hit the ground and goalkeeper Ernando Ari could not block it, Qatar led Indonesia 2-0. With nothing to lose, Indonesia pushed up their formation and they continued to show commendable efforts.

The Southeast Asian representative pressed Qatar and had many situations approaching Youssef's goal. Marsenlino Ferdinan and Nathan Tjoe A On had the right to regret their shots that missed the target. In the 90+6 minute, Sananta received a direct red card after a dangerous tackle on a Qatar player. With 9 players on the field, Indonesia had to accept defeat and dropped to the bottom of Group A after the first match.

Result: U23 Qatar 2-0 U23 Indonesia

Score:

U23 Qatar: Sabah (45+1'); Al Rawi (54')

Line-up:

U23 Qatar: Youssef Abdullah, Saif Eldeen Hassan, Mohammed Aiash, Hashmi Al Hussain, Mostafa Meshaal, Naif Al Hadrami, Khaled Ali, Abdullah Al Yazidi, Mahdi Salem, Jassem Gaber, Ahmed Al Rawi.

U23 Indonesia: Ernando Ari, Fahmi, Ferarri, Teguh, Rizky Ridho, Ivar Jenner, Marselino Ferdinan, Sulaeman, Struick, Arhan Pratama, Firki.

Mai Phuong

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