Steffi Sarge Kaur’s goal at the death saved Malaysia a point, taking a 1-1 draw with Indonesia in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, Wednesday evening at the Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan, Laguna.
The score almost stood up to the final buzzer but Malaysia would not be denied an equalizer. The Tigers’ late waves of attack in the additional two minutes eventually resulted in the tying goal from captain Kaur.
However, controversy ensued afterward.
An Indonesian player was body-checked inside the box by a Malaysian player. However, no whistle was blown as time expired.
The players charged at the refs after the game but fortunately, coach Rudy Eka Priyambada and his staff were able to pull the players back.
No handshake ensued after the game as Indonesia walked out.
Still, it was a heartbreaking draw for Indonesia who had control of the majority of the game.
The first half saw Indonesia and Malaysia battle for control of the match but neither team could find a breakthrough. The Malaysian side had more chances on the attack with nine shots, making most of their possession, only they find themselves wasting six of these shots off target.
Indonesia turned it up in the second half, pressuring the Malaysian defense for most of the period. The relentless attack finally paid off as the redshirts finally broke the deadlock with their lone shot on target turning into a 74th-minute goal from Sheva Imut Furyzcha.
The result saw Malaysia in third place in Group A with two points on two draws, while it pushed Indonesia down to fifth place with a solitary point on a 0-1-1 win-draw-loss record.
Both squads will take on their respective third opponents on July 8.
Malaysia will battle the undefeated host Philippines (2-0-0, 6 pts.) later that day in the same venue at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Indonesia will take on the struggling Australia U-23 side (0-1-1, 1 pt) at 4 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Malaysia XI – Mazlan (GK), Soberi, Jumulis, Susannemailu, Kaur (C), Azmi, Justine, Yi, Abidin, Nordin, Rozani
Indonesia XI – Fani (GK), Ramadhani, Nurmalita, Furyzcha, Madjar, Wunungga, Hutapea, Maeisyaroh (C), Pattinasarany, Riski, Awi
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Catch the entire 2022 AFF Women’s Championship live on SMART Sports and Puso Pilipinas from July 4-18.</e
