Football: Indonesia off to good start in AFF C’ship with 2-1 win over Cambodia
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Cambodia's Saret Krya (left) and Indonesia's Egy Maulana Vikri in action during their Group A match on Friday.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
JAKARTA – Indonesia, perennial runners-up of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship, were hoping to get off to a good start in their 2022 campaign at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday.
And winger Egy Maulana Vikri gave his compatriots something to cheer early, scoring after just seven minutes in their 2-1 Group A victory over Cambodia.
Picking up a cross from Pratama Arhan, his left-footed shot from the centre of the box flew into the top-right corner to make it 1-0.
Their lead did not last long, however. Cambodia came back strongly and equalised in the 15th minute when defender Saret Krya headed home.
Indonesia, who finished second on six occasions in the regional tournament, had most of the possession and shots. The hosts had 55 per cent and eight shots on target to Cambodia’s two, and looked more likely to score again.
Shin Tae-yong’s men, ranked 151st in the world and 26 spots ahead of Cambodia, then took the lead for good in the 35th minute, when winger Witan Sulaeman also scored with his left foot.
In the same group on Friday, the Philippines thrashed Brunei 5-1 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Their goals came from Kenshiro Daniels, Sandro Reyes, Jesus Melliza and Sebastian Rasmussen (two).
Brunei pulled a goal back via Razimie Ramlli in the 70th minute.
The Philippines have three points from two matches, level with leaders and defending champions Thailand, and Indonesia, who have both played just one game.
Cambodia also have three points from two games, while Brunei have lost both their matches.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
Singapore are in Group B and will take on Myanmar at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.
