Vietnam lose 1-2 to Indonesia in AFF Cup semifinals

Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam’s national football team lost 1-2 to hosts Indonesia in the first leg of the semi-finals at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF)’s Suzuki Cup 2016 in Bogor, Indonesia on December 3.

Entering the match with the top position in Group B after three straight wins in the qualifying round, Vietnam were full of confidence before facing their rivals again at home in the second leg on December 7.
  However, the team faced a range of difficulties as Indonesia sent a formidable contingent to the match. Under the instruction of skilled coach Alfred Riedl and with the support of around 30,000 home fans at Pakansari Stadium, the hosts strengthened pressure on Vietnam’s side right from the first few minutes.

Their efforts paid off in the seventh minute as defender Yama Pranata’s header hit goalie Nguyen Manh’s net after a corner from the right, opening the scoring for the hosts.

Vietnam increased its attacks then and created a number of openings, but this was only until nine minutes later, when striker Cong Vinh was pulled down in the penalty box by Wahyudi. The referee immediately granted Vietnam a penalty. Van Quyet made no mistake and equalised the score 1-1.

Despite utmost efforts from both sides, no more goals were scored during the remaining time of the first half.

In the early minutes of the second half, the balance was broken, due to a mistake by Vietnam’s defenders. Que Ngoc Hai let Lilipaly make a through down the left, and the Vietnamese player had to block his rival with a foul. A penalty for Indonesia was given at the 50th minute and on the 11m spot, Captain Salossa beat Nguyen Manh to widen the gap to 2-1.

Vietnam stepped up their efforts for another equaliser, but the team faced difficulties.  Missing many chances, Vietnam suffered a 1-2 loss to Indonesia.

However, the Vietnamese players still have opportunities to turn things around during the return leg at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium on December 7./.