Indonesia Reaches AFF U-19 Championship Final against Thailand
Surabaya. The Indonesian U-19 team continued their winning streak by defeating reigning champions Malaysia 1-0 in Surabaya on Saturday evening, advancing to the final of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-19 tournament.
Muhammad Alfharezzi Buffon scored the winning goal in the 78th minute with a close-range shot after the chaotic Malaysian defense failed to clear the ball.
The host team had numerous opportunities to take the lead earlier, but strikers Arkhan Kaka and Dutch-born Jens Raven couldn't convert their chances, with their shots either missing the target or being saved.
Malaysian goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq Aiman made at least two superb saves in the first half, while his teammates launched dangerous counterattacks.
Indonesian coach Indra Sjafri substituted three players after the break to refresh the team and enhance their offensive play with faster ball movement.
His strategy paid off when a shot from Iqbal Gwijangge hit the bar and deflected to Buffon, who unleashed a low shot to finally put Indonesia ahead.
The defenders then managed to keep a clean sheet for the remainder of the match at Bung Tomo Stadium.
Indonesia will face five-time champions Thailand in the final, who advanced courtesy of an own goal by Australian defender Paul Dylan Leonard, whose back pass slipped past the goalkeeper.
The final on Monday will be Indonesia’s second appearance in the tournament final, their first since winning the trophy in 2013 as hosts. Thailand is the most successful team in the tournament, with eight appearances in the final.
Australia, who also have five titles, will play Malaysia for third place.
Indonesian Lineup:
Ikram Algiffari (G), Kadek Arel Priyatna, Muhammad Alfharezzi Buffon, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Muhammad Mufli Hidayat, Muhammad Iqbal Gwijangge, Figo Dennis, Muhammad Kafiatur Rizky, Welber Jardim, Arkhan Kaka, Jens Raven
Malaysian Lineup:
Muhammad Haziq Aiman (G), Mohammad Rizwan bin Rosli, Muhammad Shafizan, Danis Hakimi, Muhammad bin Abu Khalil, Izzat Muhammad Shahir, Mohammad Haykal Danish, Pavithran Gunalan, Muhammad Naim, Muhammad Zachary, Ariff Saffwan
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