Indonesia U-20 Dominates Timor Leste with 3-1 Victory in Asian Cup Qualifiers

Jakarta. The Indonesian U-20 national team showcased a dominant performance, securing a 3-1 victory over Timor-Leste in their second match of Group F in the U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers at Madya Senayan Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday.
Goals from Jens Raven, Riski Afrisal, and substitute Muhammad Ragil propelled Indonesia to victory, bringing them three crucial points in the standings. Despite the Garuda Squad's strong showing, Timor-Leste managed to find the net once, with Luis Figo Ribeiro scoring in the 66th minute.
The Red-and-Whites controlled the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities, while Timor-Leste opted for a defensive strategy, looking for counterattacks. The match saw Indonesia take an early lead, with Jens Raven scoring in the 13th minute after capitalizing on a scramble in front of the goal. He received a cross from the right delivered by Alfahrezi Buffon, taking advantage of a defensive miscue to put the ball past Timor-Leste's goalkeeper, Pablo Macario.
The home team doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Toni Firmansyah launched an attack from the right flank, passing the ball to Riski Afrisal, who skillfully finished with his right foot.
Despite Indonesia's continued pressure, the score remained 2-0 at halftime. The second half saw Indonesia make three substitutions, introducing Figo Dennis, Maouri Ananda, and another player, as head coach Indra Sjafri sought to maintain their momentum.
In the 51st minute, Indonesia nearly extended their lead, but Buffon's powerful strike from the left was deflected by Timor-Leste’s goalkeeper. A few minutes later, Timor-Leste created their own chance when Ribeiro got behind Indonesia's defense but was denied by Ikram Al Giffari.
Timor-Leste finally pulled one back in the 66th minute through Ribeiro, who broke free from Iqbal Gwijangge to score after a counterattack. This goal seemed to invigorate Timor-Leste, who then began to dominate possession and press Indonesia.
However, Indonesia regained control, and in the 72nd minute, Figo Dennis had a golden opportunity to score but hit the crossbar with his left-footed shot.
Indonesia sealed their victory in the 77th minute when Ragil netted a goal following a setup from Jens, who passed to captain Dony Tri Pamungkas before Ragil finished with precision.
The match concluded with Indonesia winning 3-1, solidifying their position at the top of Group F with six points, level with Yemen but ahead on goal difference.
Line-ups:
Timor-Leste U-20 (4-3-3):
Pablo Macario; Joaozinho Cristiano, Marques De Carvalho, Aureo Viera, Emidio Martins; Tiago William, Leinio Qiolton, Palomito Antonio; Alexandro Bahkito Lemos, Luis Figo Ribeiro, Vabio Canavaro Pires.
Indonesia U-20 (4-3-3):
Ikram Al Giffari; Iqbal Gwijangge, Kadek Arel, Meshaal Hamzah, Alfahrezi Buffon; Aditya Warman, Toni Firmansyah, Dony Tri Pamungkas; Riski Afrisal, Arlyansyah Abdulmanan; Jens Raven.
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