Hosts Indonesia faltered to a 2-1 loss to Palestine in Group A as Myanmar were held to a 1-1 draw by DPR Korea in Group F of the men’s football event at the Asian Games 2018 last night.
Hosts Indonesia who had pummelled Chinese Taipei 4-0 in their opener two days earlier, fell behind in the 16th minute when they conceded a penalty that was converted by Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh.
But the hosts were quick to bounce with the equaliser from Irfan Jaya just seven minutes later before the Palestinians then grabbed the winner in the 51st minute off Mohamed Darwish from close.
Indonesia’s next match will be against Laos tomorrow.
In the meantime, Myanmar picked up their first point in Group F after holding DPR Korea to a 1-1.
Mg Mg Lwin nailed the opener with a minute remaining of the first half as DPR Korea then replied with the equaliser through Kuk Chol Jang right at the hour mark.
Myanmar’s next opponent in the group will be against Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, another ASEAN side Malaysia got off to a roaring start to their campaign in Group E when they overcame Kyrgyzstan 3-1.
The goalscorers for the Malaysians were Muhammad Safawi Rasid (38th minute), Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid (60th) and Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad (78th).
Ernist Batyrkanov scored Kyrgyzstan’s only goal in the 55th minute.
Malaysia’s next opponent will be defending champions South Korea, who thrashed Bahrain 6-0.
