India’s under‑23 men’s football team edged Indonesia 2‑1 in a friendly at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium. The match was part of India’s build‑up for next year’s Asian Games in Japan.
The only goals came early. Naushad Moosa’s side struck first in the 5th minute when Suhail Ahmad Bhat intercepted a loose pass, burst into the box, and hammered a right‑footed shot into the top corner. The hosts started to press back, but Bhat added a second in the 26th minute from a low cross. A corner in the 29th minute was defended as the ball hit the post, keeping India in front.
Indonesia responded before lunch. Left‑back Dony Tri Pamungkas made a left‑wing drive from the edge of the area and curled it into the top corner at 41 minutes. Goalkeeper Mohanraj K was caught off‑guard.
The second half was quiet. India’s defence tightened and they let the hosts chase, but kept the 2‑1 advantage to the final whistle. Suhail Ahmad Bhat earned the player‑of‑the‑match award for his brace.
“We came to win and we did,” said Bhat. “We have hunger and we’ll keep pushing. These goals are for the whole team.” Coach Naushad Moosa praised the boys’ teamwork and said the experience was a tough but valuable lesson.
The win shows the Indian U23 side sharpening its attack and defence ahead of the Asian Games. The friendly was a good test against a strong Indonesian side, giving India a taste of the competitive edge needed in Tokyo.
Source: ianslive
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