Indonesia failed to maintain the positive trend of winning as the
U-23 team lost to Morocco in the final match of soccer sport branch at
Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) III. The young Garuda had to once again
receive silver medals after being defeated by the Atlas Lion 1-2 here on
Sunday (29/9) in Jakabaring Stadium, Palembang.
The Indonesian national team that fielded the U-23 (under 23 years
old) players netted the goal to Morocco`s wicket by Alfin Tuasalamony
through the penalty spot, after the Morocco`s goal keeper violated the
host striker Bayu Gatra. Despite playing in home ground and hosting the
event, Indonesia played a little clumsy.
The host team which was supported by thousands of spectators, at the
Jakabaring sports stadium in Palembang, capital city of South Sumatra
actually had a lot of opportunities to make goals, but the team failed
to make more goals. It’s ironic, scored the first goal of the match from
penalty spot in the 8th minute, causing a public euphoria believing
that the young Garuda will continue the winning streak.
At the qualification round, the Indonesian soccer team successfully defeated the Morocco`s team on Thursday night (19/9).
The Morocco`s team at the second half stepped up its pressure against
the Indonesian team. Morocco, however, ended the dream when scoring at
the 70th minute El Hassouni Aymane equalized the score 1-1.
The second goal for Morocco`s team was made by El Karti Walid at the
81st minute. Thus, host team as the runner-up got silver medal.