TWO days ago, Indonesia were the toast at the Panasonic Sports Complex when they beat powerhouse Thailand in the SEA Games futsall competition.
But last night, it was hosts Malaysia’s turn to be in the spotlight when they whitewashed Indonesia 5-0 to open up the challenge in men’s Futsal.
In the tie that was witnessed by a sellout crowd, the Malaysians turned on the power in the second half to score four goals after Mohd Ridzwan Bakri had given them the lead after 11 minutes.
The remainder of the goals were scored by Mohd Ridzwan (29thminute), Muhammad Azri Rahman (31st), Mohd Awaluddin Mat Nawi (32nd) and Mohd Khairul Effendy Mohd Bahrin (37th).
“When we beat Thailand, we were heaped with praises and that affected the players mental approach,” said Indonesian assistant coach Yori Torren. “Futsal is a fast game and mistakes cost us dearly.”
Added Malaysian head coach Chiew Chun Yong: “we never under-estimated Indonesia. We played to the strategy which had been set.”
For the moment, Malaysia still lead the standings with seven points from three matches – following their win over Myanmar, draw against Vietnam and then tonight’s victory over Indonesia.
Vietnam crept up the standings to go second following their thumping 6-1 win over Myanmar as Thailand maintained their third spot with one win and one loss.
In the meantime in women’s Futsal, Indonesia kept up the chase at the top of the standings when they beat Myanmar 3-1.
Rani Mulya Sari nailed the opener in the fourth minute and then scored an own goal right at the end as Maya Muharina Fajriah (20th) and Maulina Novryliani (39th) goals were sandwiched in the middle.
After two matches, Indonesia are on the same six points as leaders Thailand and where it seems certain that the crown will be decided by these two teams.
“The next game (against Thailand) will be crucial. They are very tough so we have to plan our strategy well,” said Indonesian head coach Andre Pratama.
Futsal will be on a break for the next two days.
