Indonesia edged out neighbors 1-0 Malaysia to qualify for the semi-finals of the ASEAN Futsal Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand
Australia also ensured their semi-final from Group B after they chalked up a 13-1 win over a hapless Brunei.
Malaysia, who were beaten 1-2 by the Aussies in their opening match, are out of the running together with Brunei.
Guntur Sulistyo Aribowo scored the decisive goal early in the second half for the Indonesians.
From the opening minutes, Indonesia dominated possession. In the fifth minute, Imam Anshori’s shot was blocked by Malaysian goalkeeper Mohammad Ammar Harith, marking the team’s first major chance.
One minute later, Cris Daniel Yeimo tested Ammar with a curling left-foot strike, which was well saved. Yeimo had another opportunity in the ninth minute, but his shot went wide.
Andres Dwi Persada had a chance in the 10th minute to connect with a pass from Guntur, but his strike missed the target. Guntur, repeatedly creating key passes, also attempted a powerful shot in the 19th minute that hit the post.
Indonesia ended the first half with a spectacular attempt from Andres, but Ammar made another impressive save to keep the score level.
In the second half, Indonesia launched a quick attack that finally broke through in the 23rd minute. Guntur maneuvered past Malaysia’s Iqbal Haziq Bin Radzi on the left side before firing a hard left-foot shot from a tight angle that Ammar could not stop. The score was 1-0 to Indonesia.
The goal boosted Indonesia’s confidence, and they continued to create opportunities. Yeimo twice tried to extend the lead in the 29th minute but was denied, while Yogi Saputra’s strike in the 24th minute was stopped by the post.
Despite failing to add another goal, Indonesia successfully defended against Malaysia’s late counterattacks, preserving their 1-0 advantage until the final whistle.
Indonesia will face Australia in their final group-stage game.
In Group A, both hosts Thailand and Vietnam are also through to the semi-finals. Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-0 while Vietnam demolished Timor Leste 7-1.
