The Indonesian U-17 national team had to admit defeat to China U-17 after losing 2-3 in a friendly match held at the Indomilk Arena Stadium, Tangerang Regency, Wednesday.
This was the second friendly match between the Indonesian U-17 national team and China. The previous match, on Sunday (February 8th), ended in a crushing 0-7 defeat for Indonesia.
In this match, China took the lead in the ninth minute through Zhao Songyuan. The Chinese right winger received a pass before sending a cutback to the edge of the penalty area, which Zhao tapped in unmarked, beating Indonesian goalkeeper Noah Leo. The score was 1-0 to China.
Indonesia struggled to develop its game early in the match, with China dominating possession in the home side's defensive area. Mishandling of the ball by the Indonesian back line also led to several near misses for China.
Nova Arianto's team finally equalized in the 22nd minute. Chico Jericho Yarangga's free kick deflected off a Chinese defender and deflected to the right of the goal, beating goalkeeper Jiang Chengen. The score became 1-1.
The goal boosted Indonesia's confidence, which began to put pressure on China's defense.
However, China regained the lead towards the end of the first half. In the 36th minute, a Chinese player's movement from the right side of the Indonesian defense ended with a cutback pass across the goal. The ball hit an Indonesian player before being tapped in by He Sifan to give China a 2-1 lead at halftime.
