SWEET START FOR INDONESIA IN YANGON

Following Bangladesh’s scoreless draw against hosts Myanmar in their first game of Group A two days earlier, the win and the three points has given Indonesia a place in the semi-finals.

Despite playing against a physically better side, Indonesia made full use of their technical abilities to control much of the possession and stamp their authority early in the game.

And just ten minutes into the game, Indonesia went 1-0 up when Firman Utina (pic) blasted in the rebound from an earlier shot off Arif Suyono

The goal did not change the shape of the game where Indonesia continue to dictate terms with Charis Yulianto coming close as did a stinger from Ismed Sofyan.

And it took the last few seconds of the first half before Indonesia were able to score their second goal off debutant Mushafry.

The Persiba Balikpapan striker slammed home Indonesia’s second goal of the evening with a right footer off a cross from Arif Suyono for the score to remain at 2-0 at the break.

Indonesia played to possession in the second half and made several forays through Aliyudin and Musafry but they just could not find the right finish from the chances they have created.

Indonesia then made several changes to the side and even brought in the mercurial Elie Aiboy but that did little to change the scoreline as it stayed all the way to the end.

“I am satisfied with the performance and the result of the game,” said Benny Dolo, the head coach of Indonesia.

“Mushafry had a good first game for the national team. But now, we have to look at maintaining the rhythm when we face hosts Myanmar next (on 15 Nov 2008).”

INDONESIA: Markus Harison, Ismed Sofyan, M. Robby, Charis Yulianto, Isnan Ali, M. Ilham (Fandy Mochtar), Firman Utina, Ponaryo Astaman (Wijay), Arif Suyono, Musafry (Ellie Aiboy), Aliyudin.