Indonesia Men Football Team Defeat Singapore 2-0 in SEA Games 2019

Indonesia's men football team beat Singapore's two nil for second win in Group B, 30th SEA Games 2019.
Indonesia's men football team beat Singapore's two nil for second win in Group B, 30th SEA Games 2019.

The match was played in Rizal Memorial Stadium, Philippines. Kick-off started at 19:00 Western Indonesian Time (GMT +7), 28th November 2019.

Coach Indra Sjafri's Garuda squad was able to capitalize the momentum, after defeating the defending champion Thailand last Teusday, and beat Fandi Ahmad’s Lions. Indonesia still maintains clean sheet and scored 4 goals so far in this tournament.

The goals were created through Osvaldo Haay in the 64th minute  and Asnawi Mangkualam Bahar in the 73th minute.


Post-Match Analysis


Singapore, desperate for points after being held draw against Laos in their opening match, was able to dominate the first half. The Lions, however, were only able to create one meaningful chance through a free kick from Lionel Tan in 17th minutes. The ball was launched hard directly to the net but Indonesia's keeper, Nadeo Argawinata, brilliantly tip it out of the field.

Indonesian's striker Muhammad Rafli was subbed out in the 30th minutes in favor of Osvaldo Haay due to injury after collision with Singapore's defender. Both teams were unable to score until the end of the first half.

Indonesia increase attack intensity and fasten the tempo. In the 51st minute, Egy Maulana Vikiri, who plays for Lechia Gdanks in the midfield, skillfully deceived two Singapore's defenders in the penalty box and managed to shot. However the Singapore's keeper, Zharfan Rohaizad was able to catch it.

Osvaldo Haay, who also scored against Thailand, in the 64th minute receive a long ball from Indonesia's defensive line and successfully mounted a quick counter attack. After passing two defenders, Osvaldo kicked the ball through in between Zharfan's leg and sent it in the net.

Indonesia doubled their lead the 74th minute. Asnawi Mangkualam Bahar received an assist from Osvaldo and scored. A little kerfuffle happened in 90th minute after Egy was fouled by two Singapore's players and they both received yellow cards.

Asnawi Mangkualam Osvaldo Haay
Asnawi Mangkualam (left) and Osvaldo Haay (right).

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The score stayed two nil to Indonesia's favor until full time.

Indra Sjafri tactics remain similar compared to the previous match. The composition of players who started also the same. He quickly adjust the tactic after seeing Evan Dimas, one of Indonesia's senior player, was not as effective and subbed him out in favor of Rahmat Irianto. He also subbed out Firza Andika in favor of Dodi Alex van Dijn. The substitutions proved to be crucial in breaking down the Singapore's high pressing tactic.

It also can be seen that Indra Sjafri's team does not rely on set pieces. All of the corners and free kicks so far were taken shorts. Indonesia's players were out matched in term of high balls.

SEA GAMES 2019
The 30th South East Asia Games 2019, Philippines

Right now Indonesia is in second place in Group B after Vietnam with both team secured 6 points. Vietnam however is in the first place due to Goal difference. Just in two matches, against Laos and Brunei, Vietnam managed to score 12 Goals. Indonesia will play against Vietnam in the third preliminary round on December 1st, 2019.

Read also the post-match report Indonesia against SEA Games defending champion Thailand.