Indonesia loses second straight match before Asian Cup

Turkey Using its strongest squad, Indonesia still lost 1-2 when playing Libya again in a FIFA friendly match, ahead of the 2023 Asian Cup.

Scored: Sayuri 6 - Al Shremi 9, Ekrawa 20

Three days after losing 4-0 to Libya in a non-FIFA-scored test match, Indonesia took things more seriously in the rematch at Mardan. However, Shin Tae-yong's team still lost 2-1 in the FIFA-scored match on January 5, extending their winless streak to four matches. They still have one more closed-door practice match against Iran on January 9, before entering Group D of the Asian Cup, where they will face Iraq, Vietnam and Japan.

Indonesia (right) in a loss to Libya in a practice match at Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey on January 2, 2024. Photo: PSSI

Indonesia opened the scoring in the sixth minute, when midfielder Ivar Jenner broke free down the right and passed back to defender Yakob Sayuri, who fired a powerful shot that left the Libyan goalkeeper unable to react. However, it took just three minutes for the Africans to equalize from a sloppy play in the Indonesian penalty area. Midfielder Justin Hubner failed to close the gap, allowing Osama Al Shremi to shoot to the right corner, leaving goalkeeper Ernando unable to react.

Coach Shin used a 3-4-3 system in this match, with many foreign-born players starting such as central defenders Jordi Amat, Elkan Baggott, the central midfielders Hubner and Jenner, and striker Rafael Struick. These players are all 1.85m tall or taller, causing trouble for the opponent many times with long throw-ins from left-back Pratama Arhan. Indonesia's best chance to equalize came in the second half's injury time, when Ridho passed the ball to Hubner, who rushed down to face him, but his shot hit the goalkeeper and bounced out.

Libya, ranked 120th in the FIFA rankings, is not eligible to participate in the 2024 African Cup of Nations, but they will still train in Turkey with Indonesia. The African team includes a player who plays in the German second division for Magdeburg, midfielder Daniel Elfadli. Meanwhile, Hubner is a central defender for Wolverhampton in the Premier League, but is used as an attacking midfielder in Indonesia.

Indonesia is ranked 146th in FIFA, and has been deducted 2.04 points after this match. After losing 0-4 to Libya three days ago, Coach Shin said he did not take that result seriously, but today's match was more important.

Competition list

Indonesia : Ernando Ari; Rizky Ridho, Jordi Amat, Justin Hubner, Elkan Baggott; Yakob Sayuri (Saddil Ramdani 80), Ivar Jenner (Ricky Kambuaya 75), Witan Sulaeman (Sandy Walsh 75), Marselino Ferdinan (Egy Maulana 75), Pratama Arhan; Rafael Struick (Ramadan Sananta 75).

Libya : Murad Al Wuheeshi; Ali Al Musrati, Osama Al Sareet, Ahmed Fakrounshaalah, Elmahdi El Kout; Nouradin El Gelaib (Omar Al Khoja 60), Daniel Elfadli (Alaa Al Qajdar 59), Mohamed Tubal (Husain Taqtaq 79); Osama Al Sharimi (Ziyad Alelwani 86), Fadel Al Salama (Abdulsamia Abdulnabi 86), Ahmed Ekrawa (Abd Al Myaser Bosheba 79).

Hoang An

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