Indonesia’s U20 Team Shows Attacking Intent Despite Stalemate Against Malaysia
- 31 Agt 2026 20:05 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- The Indonesia U20 national team opened their 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 0–0 draw against Malaysia U20.
- Indonesian attackers created multiple scoring opportunities but failed to convert them into goals.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s U20 team began their journey in the 2027 Asian Football Confederation Under 20 (AFC U20) Asian Cup Qualifiers with a goalless draw against Malaysia in Group H at the Lao National Stadium KM16 in Vientiane, Laos, on Monday, August 31, 2026. The result gave both sides one point, while Laos and Australia, the other teams in the group, have yet to play.
From the opening whistle, Indonesia showed attacking intent as Arkhan Kaka led the frontline in pressing Malaysia’s defense. In the 18th minute, Arkhan broke through but was denied by goalkeeper Faez Iqhwam, who two minutes later also stopped a long-range effort from Nazriel Alfaro. Another chance came in the 28th minute when Amar Brkic attempted a shot that lacked power and drifted wide, Antara reported, on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The second half saw Indonesia intensify their pressure, creating several promising opportunities. The best came in the 75th minute when Rafi found himself one-on-one with Iqhwam, only for the keeper to produce a crucial save. Just three minutes later, a rare mistake from Iqhwam left the goal exposed, but Irpan Abadi’s header flew over the bar despite the near-empty net.
The match highlighted Indonesia’s attacking ambition but also their struggle to convert chances into goals, while Malaysia’s defensive resilience, anchored by Iqhwam’s performance, proved decisive in keeping the score level.
Indonesia’s starting lineup featured Dafa Al Gasemi; Ibrah Ardiansya, I Putu Apriawan, Fabio Azkairawan, Muhamad Al Gazani, Isfandyar, Nazriel Alfaro Syahdan, Reno Salampessy, Arkhan Kaka, Theo, and Amar Rayhan. Malaysia fielded Faez Iqhwam; Adam Mustaqim, Ais Aqasha, Amar Imran, Adam Hakimi, Airel Husainy, Muhammad Aryad, Arif Aiman, Tengku Hasyri Shah, Izzudin Afid, and Zarul Aidid. ***
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