Naturalized players, U20 Indonesia still eliminated early in U20 Asian tournament

U20 Indonesia has no way back before entering the second match of the U20 Asian Cup against U20 Uzbekistan. In the opening match, there were no surprises when Indonesia suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat against Iran. Therefore, they need at least a draw to maintain their ambition to continue, especially when Iran won the early match and got all 6 points.

U20 Indonesia took the field with 2 naturalized players, Welber Jardim and Jens Raven. In addition, 2 players Kadek Arel and Dony Tri Pamungkas are the faces who participated in the ASEAN Cup 2024 with the Indonesian team.

However, it was no surprise that Indonesia continued to suffer because of Uzbekistan's impressive ball control. In the 21st minute, from Khamidov's cross from the left wing, Urinboev jumped high and headed the ball accurately, putting Uzbekistan ahead.

However, Indonesia's efforts were enough to make Uzbekistan confused. Just 1 minute after conceding, Marselinus made a quick break into the penalty area. He sent a delicate pass for Raven to run down and finish diagonally, bringing a valuable equalizer for Indonesia. But that was all the team from the archipelago could do. They stood firm in the first half but quickly collapsed in the second.

Great pressure from Uzbekistan caused Indonesia to concede. In the 53rd minute, Khaydarov skillfully dribbled the ball and shot dangerously, helping the Central Asian representative take the lead for the second time in the match. In the 62nd minute, from a corner kick on the right wing, Saidnurullaev jumped high to head the ball to increase the score to 3 - 1, this was a move that the Indonesian defenders did not control well.

With nothing left to lose, coach Indra Sjafri asked his players to attack. But they were very lucky to avoid losing more. The Uzbekistan strikers wasted countless chances and ended the match with a score of 3-1. Thus, Indonesia lost all of their first two matches and were eliminated from the U20 Asian Cup early, even though they still had one match left to play.