AFF U-23 Cup: Malaysia Beats Indonesia 2-1(2023 SEA Games champions)
Fergus Tierney celebrates the goal he scored with his teammates in the action against Indonesia just now. - Photo courtesy of FAMKUALA LUMPUR - The national under-23 (U-23) team started the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup campaign on the right foot after defeating traditional rivals, Indonesia 2-1 in the first action of Group B.
In the match at Rayong Stadium, Thailand, the national youth squad managed by E. Elavarasan lined up the best eleven with players such as Aiman Afif, Syahir Bashah and Aliff Izwan Yuslan.
However, Indonesia, which is still fresh from successfully winning the 2023 SEA Games gold medal, was first in front after sensational striker Ramadhan Sananta's goal in the 29th minute.
Shocked by the goal, Elavarasan reshuffled the team in the second half by including a half-breed player from feeder club Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT II), Fergus Tierney.
The confidence given was not wasted by Tierney as he scored the equalizer in the 54th min from a penalty kick.
The 20-year-old's scored the winning goal eight minutes later with an exciting finish.
The young Garuda coached by Shin Tae-yong tried to get up to get a draw but several attempts made at the end of the match did not meet the target.
After this, the national team will face Timor Leste on August 22 next with the group champion and one best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals. –
