Why Indonesia U-23 Fell to South Korea in Asian Cup Qualifier
Indonesia U-23’s journey in the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers ended in disappointment after a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Korea U-23. Playing in front of a home crowd in Sidoarjo, the team failed to capitalize on the momentum and allowed an early goal that ultimately decided the match. The loss meant that Indonesia missed out on qualification, despite displaying moments of determination and energy throughout the game.
The key issue in this decisive match was the team’s lack of focus during the early minutes. A defensive lapse allowed South Korea to take the lead in the 7th minute through a well-placed shot, giving them the advantage to control the game. With that early setback, the South Korean side was able to sit back and rely on counterattacks while Indonesia struggled to break through their compact defensive setup.
Another critical factor in the loss was Indonesia’s inefficiency in front of goal. Despite registering seven attempts, none of the shots were on target. This inability to convert promising chances into meaningful threats greatly hindered the team’s comeback efforts. The lack of composure and clinical finishing in the final third prevented Indonesia from taking advantage of the opportunities they created.
As the game progressed, particularly in the second half, the team lost its tactical discipline. While the first half showed some consistency in gameplay, the final 20 minutes were marked by rushed attacks and disjointed transitions. The urgency to equalize led to a breakdown in coordination, with many plays falling apart before reaching the penalty area. This combination of early defensive errors, poor finishing, and a loss of control under pressure ultimately sealed Indonesia’s exit from the tournament.
From:News
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