Indonesia U-23 Defeats India in the Deadlock

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The India U-23 team ultimately remains an enigma that Indonesia cannot solve. Despite being aware of India's strategy, the "Garuda Muda" team could only manage a 1-1 draw in the second friendly match at the Madya Stadium, Jakarta, on Monday (13/10/2025). India's advantages in terms of speed and physical toughness are difficult for Indonesian players to match.

The two teams have rarely met in recent years. Therefore, the statement by Indonesia's coach, Indra Sjafri, regarding the lack of information about India's playing style in the first friendly match is still understandable. However, in the second friendly match against the same opponent, the same excuse cannot be applied. Indra has already gathered ample knowledge about India's playing style, allowing him to formulate a counter-strategy.

In the first match, India's attack relied heavily on the speed of its wingers. Therefore, Indra instructed his players to avoid being outnumbered on that side. This was achieved by employing an overload tactic. This way, when one player gets past the opposition, a teammate can help block them.

That method was quite effective in dampening India's explosiveness, at least until the end of the first half. Although they were able to threaten multiple times through attacks from the wing sector, the Indian players relatively did not create many dangerous opportunities. However, this was also influenced by the absence of two key wing players, Thingujam Korou and Muhammed Suhail, who were benched this time.

Their positions were taken over by Vibin Mohanan and Mohammed Aimen. The quality of Vibin and Aimen is not on par with Suhail and Thingujam, allowing them to be effectively contained by the Indonesian central defensive duo, Kadek Arel and Dion Markx.

Playing to a draw in the first half, India appeared more convincing in the second half. The entry of Thingujam and Suhail added to India's attacking power, allowing them to score in the 47th minute. Similar to the first match, India's goal originated from an attack on the wing. Suhail's movement was very difficult for the Indonesian defenders to stop. He effortlessly delivered a low cross that was immediately met by Thingujam.

The entry of key Indian players in the second half posed significant challenges for Indonesia's defense line. When trailing, the "Garuda Muda" players had no choice but to push forward and attack. However, the physical strength of the Indian players made a difference. Although India's tactics were already known, their physical superiority prevented the Indonesian players from comfortably maintaining possession of the ball for long periods.

There are still many shortcomings that need to be addressed for the upcoming SEA Games. We will continue to work hard and improve.

As a result, Indonesia's attacks met a dead end. Attempts to build attacks from behind or direct passes into the heart of the Indian defense consistently failed.

Indonesia was finally able to score a reply goal through Donny Tri Pamungkas. Not through an open play scheme, but rather via a free kick execution. In the previous match, Donny also scored a goal that reduced Indonesia's defeat to 1-2.

"I am happy to be able to assist the team even though we could not achieve victory tonight. There are still many shortcomings that need to be addressed for the upcoming SEA Games. We will continue to work hard and improve. Hopefully, we can retain the gold in Thailand," said Donny after the match.

Although they failed to conquer India, the "Garuda Muda" team at least demonstrated significant progress. The players' ability to make decisions in the final third improved, although it needs to be accompanied by precision and composure.

The improvement in the team's performance is also driven by the players' enthusiasm to convince Indra. Out of the 32 players called for selection, only 23 players will participate in the SEA Games next December.

That is why players like Rifqi Ray, Zanadin Faris, and Wigi Pratama gave their all, continuously battling against the speed and technique of the Indian players.

"Out of these 32 players, all have played except for one player. The coaching staff will evaluate who among these 32 players will continue with the team in the second phase of training camp," said Indra.

Indra made extensive use of new players in this second trial match. Goalkeeper Daffa Fasya and defender Dion Markx, who were not included in the lineup for the first trial match, were given the opportunity to start as players this time.

In addition to them, Indra also provided playing time to Arlyansyah Abdulmanan, Dzaky Asraf Huwaidi, Erlangga Setyo, and Ahmad Rusadi. Like Daffa and Dion, the four of them were also not included in the squad for the first trial match. This time, Indra gave them the opportunity to play from the bench as Indonesia faced a deadlock in their efforts to score goals.