Challenge Cup: Indonesia Down Koreans On Penalties

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Indonesia Independence Cup 2008 : Firman Utina (kiri), Indonesia A, mengusai bola dari Hendro Siswanto (kanan), Indonesia B. GOAL.com/ Riso

In the semi-final at the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium last night, the score at the end of regulation and extra time was scoreless even though Ulsan missed a penalty late in the second half.

The Koreans were mostly fielding a youth team as the senior side is in K-league play-off action on Saturday.

In the sudden-death penalty shootout which Indonesia emerged 4-3 triumphant over the South Korean side, veteran striker Bambang Pamungkas and midfielder Ellie Aiboy missed from the spot.

But luckily for Indonesia, goalkeeper Markus Harison was spot on when he thwarted three attempts in a row from Ulsan.

And with defender Isnan Ali, Erol Iba, Charis Yulianto and Firman on target, it ensured Indonesia their place in the final in Yangon where they will be up against a confident Myanmar side on Friday.

But really, Indonesia should have the game all wrapped up in the first half of the exchange considering the chances they created.

Striker Bambang and Arif Suyono were just too anxious for goals that they missed the target altogether – much to the chagrin of head coach Benny Dolo.

Early in the second half, Aliyudin rifling shot from just outside the box almost gave Indonesia the lead but for the excellent work of Ulsan keeper to deny him.

In the 70th minute, Indonesia captain Chris Yulianto was faulted for a tackle inside the penalty box but Kim Sung-Min failed to convert.

Indonesia will be looking to exact revenge on Myanmar in the final tomorrow – following their 2-1 loss in a group match earlier as well as the 1-0 defeat they suffered in the final of the Merdeka Tournament two years ago in Kuala Lumpur.