FAJAR.CO.ID, DOHA — The Indonesian national team had to suffer their first defeat in the first match of the 2023 Asian Cup.
This happened after the Garuda squad had to admit the superiority of the Iraqi National Team with a score of 1-3 in the Group D match.
The Garuda squad’s match against the Iraqi National Team itself took place at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Ar Rayyan, Qatar, on Monday (15/1/2024).
Throughout the 90 minute match, the Indonesian National Team performed quite well throughout the match. However, Iraq’s good finishing was their advantage.
The two goals scored in the first half were scored by Mohanad A in the 17th minute, Marselino Ferdinan responded in the 37th minute and Osama Rashid in the 45+7 minute.
Meanwhile, in the second half, the only additional goal from Iraq was scored by Aymen Hussein in the 74th minute.
Competition Road
At the start of the first half, it was seen that the Indonesian National Team dominated and put pressure on the Iraqi defense line.
As a result, in the fourth minute, Indonesia created a golden opportunity. Starting from Pratama Arhan’s throw-in, the wild ball was then shot by Marselino Ferdinan but still hit the crossbar.
In the 11th minute, Iraq threatened the Indonesian national team’s goal starting from Jordi Amat’s mistake, the opposing player was lucky enough to have Elkan Baggott make the clearance.
A minute later Iraq threatened again. Starting from a corner kick which was successfully thrown in front of the goal mouth, it was successfully headed but still hit the crossbar.
Iraq finally managed to break into the Indonesian National Team’s goal in the 17th minute through Mohanad A taking advantage of an anticipatory error from the defender.