Indonesia and Philippines managed a 2-2 draw after a hard fought battle at the Philippines Sport Stadium today.
Indonesia had an early advantage at the 7th minute when Fachruddin Aryanto headed home a free kick by Stefano Lilipaly. However, that was taken away just before halftime when Misagh Bahadoran tapped in a free kick by Stephan Schrock which landed near the goal post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SKGbpTi8aI
Both Indonesia and Philippines were intense in the second half, yearning and battling for a goal that could put either ahead. Boaz Solossa and Andik Vermansyah slogged upfront for Indonesia, while Bahadoran, Minegishi, Schrock, Ott tried to net a winner for Philippines.
At this point, it felt like a deja-vu of the North London Derby, where both teams were fierce and pouncing on one another but to no avail.
Thankfully, that moment was short lived. A deflected shot by Andik Vermansyah was capitalized by a goal-thirsty Boaz Solossa, putting Indonesia back ahead.
Philippines won a free kick Phil Younghusband’s was brought down by Zulham Z. The 29-year old forward took the free kick and finished off stylishly as he curled the ball into the back of the net.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKJWmtUdQyM
Overall, Indonesia really stepped it up from the match against Thailand and put up a really good fight, mostly in the form of Andik Vermansyah and Boaz Solossa. Philippines’ performance, although intense at times, seemed a tad lacklustre, and even confused upfront.
If they fail to find their chemistry and strengthen their forward line, they’re going to have a tough time against defending champions Thailand this Friday.
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