Indonesia Qualifies for 2023 Asian Cup After Defeat Nepal
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VIVA – Finally, the Indonesian National team confirmed a ticket to the 2023 Asian Cup finals after defeated the Nepal National team in the Qualification Group A match at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Kuwait on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Indonesia successfully won 7-0.
Indonesia, which only needed a draw to qualify for the finals, managed to start the match very well. The Garuda team can take a quick lead in the sixth minute.
Asnawi Mangkualam gave a cross into the penalty box which was met with a directional header by Dimas Drajad. The ball went into the right corner and tore apart the Nepal goal which was escorted by Deep Karki. Indonesia leads 1-0.
Indonesia got an additional advantage after a Nepal’s player; Suman Aryal got a second yellow card at minute 33. Indonesia was also superior in the number of players which made Witan Sulaeman cs more flexible in suppressing the opponent's defense.
Evidently, the Red and White team could increase their advantage in minute 43. Asnawi was again a creator by sending a pass into the middle of the penalty box which was welcomed by Witan Sulaeman and easily beat Karki for the second time in this match. Score 2-0 closed the first half.
Immediately, Indonesia stepped on the gas in the second half. Attack by attack was carried out by Saddil Ramdani and confined Nepal's defenses.
The third goal was finally obtained by the Garuda squad from the feet of Fachruddin Aryanto, taking advantage of the chaos in front of goal resulting from a corner kick situation in the 54th minute.
Only a minute away, it was Saddil's turn to pierce Nepal's goal. Indonesia also leads 4-0. Amazing!
After that, Indonesia is still eager to beat Nepal. Unfortunately, the poor finishing left at least five opportunities wasted. Some are owned by Primary Arhan, Muhammad Rafli, to Elkan Baggott.
With a relentless high determination, the Red and White team finally added to their goal coffers in the 80th minute. This time it was contributed by Elkan Baggott who fired hard from outside the penalty box.
A minute later, Indonesia further devastated Nepal because it scored the sixth goal from Witan Sulaeman's feet. Score 6-0 decorated the scoreboard for a while.
Apparently, the pouring of half a dozen goals was not enough for the Indonesian national team. Shin Tae-yong's troops added one more goal in the 90 + 1 minute through the feet of Marselino Ferdinand.
Indonesia also qualified for the 2023 Asian Cup thanks to a 7-0 victory over Nepal. They get a quota to the finals as one of the five best runners-up. This is also the first time Indonesia has qualified for the Asian Cup after a 15-year absence. The last Garuda squad appeared in the Asian Cup in 2007 when it acted as host.
Line-up
Indonesia: Nadeo Argawinata (PG); Elkan Baggott, Rizky Ridho, Fachruddin Aryanto, Asnawi Mangkualam (Koko Ari Araya 83'), Pratama Arhan, Marc Klok (Marselino Ferdinand 46'), Ricky Kambuaya, Saddil Ramdani (Irfan Jaya 76'), Witan Sulaeman, Dimas Drajad (Muhammad Rafli 46').
Nepal: Deep Karki (PG); Shiva Gurung, Bikash Tamang, Suman Aryal, Sunil Bal, Arik Bista, Nir Kumar Rai, Pujan Uperkoti, Santosh Tamang, Rajan Gurung, Prince George Karki.