The India U23 men’s football team triumphed over Indonesia with a 2-1 victory in the first of two international friendlies at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium on Friday.
All goals were scored in the
first half, as Naushad Moosa’s team quickly established a two-goal lead thanks to a brilliant double from Suhail Ahmad Bhat (5th and 26th minutes). Dony Tri Pamungkas pulled one back for Indonesia four minutes before halftime.
How India Beat Indonesia?
India started strongly, taking the lead in just the fifth minute when Suhail Bhat intercepted a loose pass by Frengky Missa, surged into the box, and fired a right-footed shot into the top corner.
Indonesia, stunned by the early goal, sought an equaliser, but their efforts left gaps in their defence that India endeavoured to exploit.
In the 10th minute, Muhammed Suhail’s cutback caused significant issues for Indonesia’s defence. The ball eventually found Vibin Mohanan, whose powerful shot was cleared off the line.
Md Suhail continued his relentless attack from the left in the 22nd minute, cutting inside and seeing his low drive blocked by the defence. He collected the rebound and aimed for the bottom corner, but goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi made a crucial save.
The second goal was imminent and arrived in the 26th minute, courtesy of Suhail Bhat once again. Vibin delivered a low cross from the left to Ayush Chhetri, who passed it to Suhail Bhat. Suhail outmuscled his marker and fired another powerful shot into the top corner of the net.
India almost scored a third goal in the 29th minute when Ayush’s shot was well-blocked following a brilliant nutmeg by Md Suhail. From the resulting corner, Korou Singh Thingujam struck the post with a right-footed shot.
Indonesia found a glimmer of hope when they reduced the deficit in the 41st minute. Left-back Dony Tri Pamungkas created space on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner. Goalkeeper Mohanraj K, making his debut for India, had no answer to it.
In an attempt to stage a comeback, Indonesia’s head coach Indra Sjafri made six changes at halftime, but India’s defence only became more robust and effective. The second half was more cautious, with few chances for either team.
The Blue Colts had a significant opportunity to extend their lead in the 57th minute when right-back Ricky Meetei Haobam delivered a perfect cross to Suhail Bhat, whose header was saved by Supriadi.
(With inputs from PTI)
