Indonesia revived their 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group D campaign by securing a 1-0 victory over Vietnam at Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Friday, courtesy of Asnawi Mangkualam’s first-half penalty.
This win propelled Indonesia to the third spot in the standings, tied on points with Japan ahead of their upcoming clash on Wednesday. The Timnas Garuda put an end to their six-match winless streak against Southeast Asian rivals Vietnam, eliminating the Golden Star Warriors from the Asian Cup in the process.
Both teams made two changes each, with Nguyen Quang Hai and Nguyen Van Tung joining Vietnam’s lineup, while Sandy Walsh and Egy Maulana Vikri earned starting roles for Indonesia.
Indonesia had a strong start, with Ivar Jenner setting up Rafael Struick in the first minute, but Vietnam’s goalkeeper Filip Nguyen made a crucial save. Struick had another attempt minutes later, but his shot on the turn narrowly missed the post.
As the first half progressed, Vietnam’s midfield trio of Quang Hai, Nguyen Tuan Anh, and Nguyen Thai Son gained more possession. They produced their first on-target attempt with Pham Xuan Manh’s header, but it was easily handled by goalkeeper Ernando Ari.
Filip denied another Indonesian opportunity when Justin Hubner’s pass to the far post found Walsh’s nod at goal. However, Filip went down to his left to push the ball to safety.
Just before halftime, Indonesia deservedly took the lead when captain Asnawi – who has just concluded his tenure at South Korean second-tier side Jeonnam Dragons – converted a penalty after Nguyen Thanh Binh was penalized for pulling Struick’s jersey.
In the second half, Vietnam’s head coach, Philippe Troussier, made two changes with highly-rated youngster Khuat Van Khang and Le Pham Thanh Long coming in. Vietnam pressed for an equalizer, with Van Khang’s powerful shot and Tuan Anh’s attempt inside the box, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Aerial tussles led to a stoppage in the 64th minute after Indonesia captain Jordi Amat suffered a head injury. The former Swansea City defender was eventually replaced by Rizky Ridho.
Despite Vietnam’s continued efforts, luck was not on their side, and they finished the game with 10 men after Thanh Long received his second yellow card in stoppage time.
Indonesia now needs a positive result against Japan to stay in the race for the knockout stage, while Vietnam will play for pride against Iraq, who have already qualified.