Courtesy: Jakarta Globe


Indonesia's Futsal Team Falls Short at AFF Futsal Championship

Jakarta. The Indonesian men's national futsal team has failed to maintain its traditional records at the Asean Football Federation's Futsal Championship, after they were defeated by Malaysia and Myanmar in the group stage.

Earlier, the team had always advanced to the championship's semifinals. This time, the delayed competition saw Andri Irawan's team succumb 6-3 to Myanmar at Hua Mak Indoor Stadium, in Bangkok, on Tuesday (24/01).

Myanmar had a two goals lead through Pyae Phyo Maung and Nyei Min Soe, before Indonesia's Syahidansyah Lubis and Reza Yamani equalized in the 13th minute.

Phyo Maung made his team lead again just two minutes after Yamani's goal, creating a two-goal difference with his hat trick. Syahidansyah closed the gap in the last minute of the first half, making the scoreline become 4-3.

Phyo Maung proved to the audience that he was the best performer during the game, when he found the back of Muhammad Ikhsan's net in the 23rd minute for the fourth time.

Indonesia could not add more goals as the Burmese swiftly changed their strategy to total defense throughout the remaining time.

In the last minutes, Sai Pyone Aung changed the scoreboard again, concluding the match with 6-3 win for Myanmar. It was Indonesia's first defeat from the hands of Myanmar in a futsal competition.

Earlier on Monday, Indonesia lost 6-5 against Malaysia.

With the two loses, Irawan and his squad will go home after their last group stage match against Laos on Wednesday evening.

"Winning against Laos in the last game is a must," Syahidansyah said in a televised interview, expressing the hope that Indonesia at least records a point at the AFF championship.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com