Indonesia loses to Malaysia 2-1
Indonesia loses to Malaysia 2-1
KELANA JAYA, Malaysia (AP): A spectacular left-foot free kick from defender Irwan Fadzli sealed a 2-1 victory for Malaysia over Indonesia in a Southeast Asian Games Group B match Sunday.
After unexpectedly going behind early in the second half, the Malaysians, who dominated the match, clawed their way back with two goals in the last 20 minutes, to the delight of the 20,000 spectators.
They are now likely to win one of the two semifinal berths from Group B, although none will be sealed until the last round- robin games are played Tuesday. Thailand and Myanmar already have clinched the semifinal berths from Group A.
Malaysia set the early pace and could have ended the first half two or three goals ahead. Indonesia struggled to settle, looking vulnerable in defense and often resorting to aimless long balls into open field.
In the fourth minute, Malaysian skipper Hairuddin Bin Omar converted a cross from a free kick on the left flank, only to be ruled offside. The decision was met with howls of derision from the drum-thumping, flag-waving home supporters.
Three minutes into the second half, Indonesia scored against the run of play.
Unmarked striker Maman got on the end of a deep cross from the left flank and scored with a fine looping header that left Malaysian keeper Kamarulzaman Hassan groping.
The Malaysian side was rattled, but gradually regathered composure, even as the play became bruising. Four Indonesians were booked and stretcher bearers shuttled frequently onto the pitch.
The home side's pressure paid dividends in the 70th minute, with a penalty converted by Akmal Rizal, after an Indonesian defender had barged into the back of a Malaysian forward as a cross came in.
Nine minutes from time came the moment of the match. Malaysia was awarded a free kick 25 meters out. Irwan Fadzli stepped up and positioned his curling shot perfectly past the Indonesian wall and into the top left-hand corner of the net.
After the final whistle, the Malaysian team did a lap of honor of the packed Kelana Jaya stadium, while a large section of the home crowd booed off the Indonesians as they left the pitch.