Vietnam U-19 handed a ticket to the semi-finals to Indonesia U-19 following a 0-1 defeat against the home team at AFF U-19 Youth Championship. This is the four consecutive wins of Garuda Muda after they beat Laos, Singapore, and the Philippines.
At Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo, Indonesia U-19 didn’t have the discretion to attack, like they had in three matches before. Indra Sjafri’s squad rarely had the opportunity to shoot, and most of the crosses are inaccurate.
Meanwhile, for Vietnam U-19, the away team had one good chance when Le Van Nam threatened Indonesia U-19 defense. His shot was on target, but Muhammad Riyandi did a good save. That made the first-half ended in a goalless draw.
In second-half, there are not many changes. Indonesia U-19 still find difficulties to break the deadlock, so did the Vietnamese. But nine minutes before the full-time whistle blown, Indonesia U-19 finally scored the goal.
It was Rafli Mursalim again, the main goalscorer of Garuda Muda, who scored the winning goal. Rafli made use of the chaotic Vietnam defense after Todd Rivaldo Ferre individual skill successfully dismantles the away team defense, and his shot hit the crossbar then directly struck by Rafli.
This is Rafli third goals in AFF U-19 Youth Championship 2018. The two other goals were scored when Indonesia won 4-0 against Singapore. Indonesia will play the semifinal at 12 July and mostly will face Malaysia, Timor Leste, or Myanmar.