Indonesia vs Australia, Komang brings Garuda Muda ahead in the first round

Komang Teguh atones for the sins of Indonesia U-23. From causing a penalty to becoming Indonesia's first goal scorer.

HUMAS PSSI

Indonesian player, Komang Teguh, celebrated his goal against Vietnam in the men's football semifinal of the 2023 SEA Games in National Stadium Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Saturday (13/5/2023). Indonesia won 3-2.

DOHA, THURSDAY — Facing a life-or-death match against Australia in the second match of the U-23 Asian Cup, the Indonesia U-23 players played bravely to put pressure on the Australian defense, at the Abdullah bin Stadium Khalifa, Doha, Qatar, Thursday (18/4/2024). By the end of the first half, Indonesia was leading 1-0 thanks to Komang Teguh Trisnanda's header.

The goal became a sweet fruit of the hard work of the Garuda Muda squad who played without fear since the opening minute. If it can be maintained until the end of the second half, the advantage could open up opportunities for Indonesia to qualify for the knockout phase.

The goal by Komang in the 44th minute started from a corner kick by Witan Sulaeman, followed by a shot by Nathan Tjoe A On. Komang, who was in front of the goal, redirected the ball, causing goalkeeper Patrick Beach to be helpless as his net shook.

The need to win has prompted Indonesian players to initiate attacks. An attacking initiative was made by Witan Sulaeman in the second minute. Witan, who penetrated from the right wing, entered the penalty box and made a cross pass to Jeam Kelly Sroyer. However, Kelly's shot missed on the right side of the goalpost.

DOKUMENTASI PSSI

Witan Sulaeman, a winger for the Indonesian U-23 team, chased after a through ball from his teammate during a friendly match against Saudi Arabia on Saturday (6/4/2024) in the early morning hours at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Indonesia is also continuing to attack through the thrusts of Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael William Struick towards the penalty box. However, the tight defense of Australia has prevented Indonesian attacks from resulting in a goal.

In the eleventh minute, Rafael Struick made a penetration into the penalty box and took a shot towards the goal. However, Struick's shot still missed the target on the left side of the goal.

Facing Indonesia's onslaught, Australia's players responded through an attack carried out by Mohamed Toure. In the 20th minute, Toure's shot from outside the penalty box was blocked by Komang Teguh Trisnanda.

However, the ball hit Komang's hand. The referee briefly checked the VAR to confirm the foul. The referee eventually pointed to the penalty spot and punished Indonesia with a penalty.

AFC/MUSTAFA ABUMUNES

Rafael Struick, an Indonesian striker, duels for the ball with Qatari defender, Al-Hasmi Mohialdin, in the first match of Group A in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup on Monday (15/4/2024), at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar. Rafael failed to prevent Garuda Muda from losing.

Toure, who was the executor of the kick, failed to perform his duty well. Goalkeeper Ernando Ari Sutaryadi was able to guess the direction of the ball well and blocked it, resulting in the safety of the Indonesian goal.

Ernando's success in blocking a penalty kick boosted the morale of the Garuda Muda players. In the 31st minute, Indonesia had a golden opportunity when Nathan Tjoe A On's free kick was received by Marselino in front of the goalkeeper. However, Marselino failed to redirect the ball into the goal.

Komang also stepped up to assist the attack and even took a shot from outside the penalty box. However, the shot went wide of the goal.

On the contrary, Australia continues to rely on Toure to threaten Indonesia's goal. In the 32nd minute, Toure's counterattack made Indonesian defenders work hard to block his shot.

After Komang's goal at the end of the first half, Australia continued to try to retaliate. However, Indonesian players were able to break Australia's attacks and still managed to threaten the goal defended by goalkeeper Beach.