INDONESIA-AUSTRALIA FINAL IN FUTSAL QUALIFIERS

Indonesia beat Malaysia 5-3 while Australia outran Vietnam 4-1 in the other semi-finals.

But whatever is the outcome in the final, both Indonesia and Australia era already through to the main draw of the AFC Futsal Championship which will be held in Uzbekistan in May.

Despite trailing by a goal in the first half through Mohammad Fadzil in the 18th minute, the Indonesians buoyed by their vociferous supporters fought back with goals through Jaelani Ladjanibi (28th and 36th minute penalty, Angga Surya Saputra (33rd), Jefri Purba (35th) and Sayan Karmadi (39th).

The two other goals for Malaysia were scored by Khairul Rizuan (37th) and Muizzudin (39th).

“We are really relieved with the win but it was all due to the hardwork of the players which allowed us to make the AFC Futsal Championship this year,” said Robby Hartono, the head coach for Indonesia.

“There will be bonus for sure, the president (Nurdin Haled) had already made the announcement to the players,”” added team manager Darius Sinatrya.

In the other semi-final, Australia were easy winners with a double from Fernando de Moraes (16th and 39th) and Toby Seeto (18th and 31st) while Vietnam’s consolation goal came in the 21st minute courtesy of Truong Quoc Tuan.

But Malaysia and Vietnam still have the chance of making it to Uzbekistan – with the winner of their third/ fourth placing match earning a ticket to the meet in May.