Synopsis
The India U20 men's team concluded the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series with a disappointing 0-4 defeat against hosts Indonesia. Despite a younger squad, the Blue Colts faced tough competition, finishing the tournament with three losses. The tournament prepares all teams for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup.Key Takeaways
- India U20 lost 0-4 to Indonesia.
- The match was part of the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series.
- India ended the tournament with three defeats.
- Indonesia capitalized on India's defensive errors.
- Goalkeeper Karan Makkar made several key saves despite the loss.
Sidoarjo (Indonesia), Jan 30 (NationPress) The India U20 men's team suffered a 0-4 defeat against Indonesia in their final game of the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series at the Gelora Delta Stadium on Thursday. The Blue Colts, featuring a notably younger squad predominantly made up of 17 and 18-year-olds, wrapped up the four-nation friendly tournament with three losses. Earlier that day, Syria triumphed over Jordan with a score of 2-1 to secure the tournament win. All participating teams fielded players born in 2005 or later in preparation for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup.
In Thursday's match, nine of the Indian players had previously played against the Indonesian U17 squad in Bali last August. However, facing a team comprised of older players, the challenge was markedly different. The hosts quickly gained the lead in the fourth minute, capitalizing on a free-kick just outside the box. Toni Firmansyah executed a powerful shot under the wall, catching a diving Karan Makkar off guard.
Despite the early setback, Makkar showcased his skills, making several outstanding saves throughout the first half, notably denying Muhammad Ragil and Jens Raven during one-on-one situations within the six-yard box.
The Indian goalkeeper remained vigilant against threats from outside the penalty area, expertly deflecting fierce shots from Gala Pagamo, Dony Tri Pamungkas, and Jehan Pahlevi. Makkar also managed to tip over a volley from Pahlevi that was heading into the top corner. His counterpart, Arta Wiguna from Indonesia, had minimal work to do, making just one save when Laishram Danny Meitei attempted a long-range shot in the 17th minute that nearly caught him off guard.
The halftime break seemed to benefit the hosts as they quickly netted another goal right after the restart. Unfortunately for India, it resulted from a mistake by Makkar, whose loose pass was intercepted by Ragil, allowing him to score.
Ragil added a second goal for Indonesia at the hour mark, finishing off a rebound after Makkar had blocked Firmansyah's initial shot. Muhammad Iqbal Gwijangge sealed the match with the fourth goal in the 76th minute, capitalizing on a weak shot from Evandra Florasta that fell right into his path.
India did create several chances to score, with head coach Biby Thomas making multiple attacking substitutions in hopes of improving their outcome.
The best chance fell to substitute Ngamgouhou Mate, who intercepted the ball from the last defender Kadek Arel, but Wiguna was quick to close down the opportunity and prevent a goal. Wiguna continued to make crucial saves, including a swerving shot from Danny and another free-kick from Mate that was curling towards the top corner.
