Alkass Digital
A standout performance from Marselino Ferdinan helped Indonesia march into the knockout stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ on Sunday after a superb 4-1 victory against Jordan at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium.
Having already collected their first ever win three days ago against Australia, the tournament debutants ensured that their dream run would continue in the quarter-finals by sealing progress from Group A in second place behind Qatar.
Needing only a point to confirm their place in the last eight heading into this game, the red shirts of Indonesia signalled their intent by pouring forward from the get-go in front of a partisan crowd of 5,632.
Leading the line, Rafael Struick was in the thick of the action early on and after testing Jordan goalkeeper Ahmad Juaidi twice in the fourth and 11th minutes, played a key role in the opening goal after being fouled by Amer Jamous in the box.
Marselino, scorer of Indonesia’s first goal at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ just over three months ago and one of nine in this U23 side that were in their squad at Asia’s crown jewel, stepped up to coolly send Juaidi the wrong way and find the bottom left corner in the 23rd minute.
That was the start of a man-of-the-match display from the KMSK Deinze attacker, who went on to play a part in the second goal and added the third.
For their part, Jordan struggled to test Ernando Ari in the Indonesian goal despite requiring nothing less than victory to avoid an early flight home, with Aref Haitham’s scuffed effort in the ninth minute their only shot on target in the first half.
Indonesia were far more prolific and their lead was doubled in the 40th minute. Marselino drove at the Jordan defence before finding captain Rizky Ridho at the top of the box, whose deft first-time pass was caressed by Witan Sulaeman’s left foot into the far left corner.
The third goal, in the 70th minute, was arguably even more pleasing on the eyes. Having played a one-two with Witan, Marselino finished off the move with a delightful touch past the onrushing Juaidi for his second of the night.
To their credit, Jordan refused to give up and after Ibrahim Sabra had fluffed his lines from close range in the 66th minute, they pulled one back when Waseem Alriyalat’s shot from range was deflected past Ernando by Justin Hubner on 79 minutes.
But Indonesia were not done yet and their three-goal advantage was restored seven minutes later. Pratama Arhan’s trademark long throws finally reaped dividends as his bullet delivery from the left was nodded in by Komang Teguh, who came off the bench to notch his second goal in as many games.
The full-time whistle was met by jubilation from the Indonesian supporters and team alike, who emulated their senior counterparts’ feat of qualifying to the knockout stage for the first time ever back in January at AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
Their reward is a tantalising showdown against either Japan or Korea Republic on Thursday evening, where the Young Garuda will aim to create even more history.