Deli Serdang, MINA – The Indonesian national team drew 0-0 with Australia throughout the first half of the 2026 AFF U-19 Championship semifinals on Thursday night at the North Sumatra Main Stadium in Deli Serdang.
The Young Garuda national team held firm against the onslaught of Australian attacks.
In the 55th minute, Arkhan Kaka (8) threatened with a shot, but interference from an Australian player sent the ball just wide.
A minute later, it was Isfandyar Abdillah (18)’s turn to have a long-range shot, but he also missed.
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Indonesia’s golden opportunity came in the 65th minute, when Reno Salampessy (7), Amar Brkic (17), and Arkhan Kaka (8) created two dangerous situations for the Australian goal. However, they were only just threats.
Australia continued to besiege the Indonesian defense. Australia’s chance came in the 75th minute with an aerial play. However, the Australian players’ execution was still lacking.
Two minutes later, Indonesia countered with a move by Amar (17) on the right flank. His cutback to Dimas Adi (9) in front of goal created a golden opportunity. However, the ball went wide, much to Dimas’s regret.
As the 90th minute approached, the match became increasingly tense. Attacks were exchanged.
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In the 88th minute, a through ball allowed an Australian player to get behind the Indonesian defense. Marcus Neill (21), who was battling with goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi on the left flank, managed to send the ball into the net.
However, the linesman raised his flag for offside.
Referee Bainazarov Alimardon from Kyrgyzstan conducted a VAR check. Shortly after, the referee confirmed Neill’s goal was awarded. VAR showed that Neill was not offside.
Putu Panji and his teammates’ attempts to score an equalizer in injury time were unsuccessful.
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Australia officially defeated the Garuda Muda in front of thousands of Indonesian fans after referee Alimardon blew his final whistle. The score was 0-1 in Australia’s favor.
Australia has qualified for the 2026 AFC U-19 Championship final and will face Thailand. Meanwhile, Indonesia, which failed to defend its title, will play Cambodia for third place, after losing 0-4 to Thailand. []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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