Jakarta, Oct 13 – India’s under‑23 men’s national team ran out of steam in a 1‑1 draw with Indonesia in a friendly match at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium. The game was a rematch of the first encounter, where India had won 2‑1. This time the hosts were determined to get revenge and pushed hard from the start.
The first half was a tense, goalless stalemate. Indian goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan kept his side in the game by denying several early chances. An early shot from Indonesia’s Muhammad Rayhan Hannan was parried, and a set‑piece strike from Indonesian winger Kakang Rudianto missed after a fingertip save. Indian striker Ricky Meetei also had a long‑range shot that nearly rattled the post.
At the 47th minute, India’s Korou Singh Thingujam slipped past the Indonesian defense and tapped in a low cross in the second half. The Blue Colts, as India’s U23 team is nicknamed, were rewarded for their perseverance. India put the ball into the net with a simple, unmarked move from the left wing after a quick substitution: Harsh Palande’s cross found Korou, who headed the ball into the back of the net.
Indonesia answered quickly. After a foul by Sumit Sharma outside the area, host forward Dony Tri Pamungkas curled a free‑kick past Indians’ defense and into the net at the 71st minute, leveling the score. The equaliser left India scrambling to keep the match from slipping away.
Even the final moments were electric. Coach Naushad Moosa made a late change, bringing on goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey, who produced a close‑call stop against a long‑range effort from Rifqi Ray Farandi. The match finished 1‑1, leaving both sides proud but hungry for the next fixture.
India’s under‑23 squad will look to build on this result as they prepare for upcoming qualifiers. For Indonesia, the draw feels like a morale boost after a tough encounter, setting the stage for their next friendly.
Source: ianslive
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