Malang (malangkota.go.id) – The trial match between the U-22 National Team and Arema FC at the Kanjuruhan Kepanjen Stadium, Malang, Sunday (10/02/2019) ended with a 1-1 draw.
Through Hanif Syahbandi's feet, the U-22 National Team scored first in the 74th minute, while Arema FC's goal was scored by Robert Lima Guimaress in the 87th minute. This draw was the second time, previously the U-22 National Team had a trial with Bhayangkara FC with a final result of 2-2.
When facing Arema FC players, the U-22 National Team players played aggressively from the start to match the game of the Malang residents' pride team nicknamed Singo Edan. The game was high tension and pressing-pressing tight but entertaining presented by both teams.
Several goal opportunities were created, but until the first half ended, both teams had not been able to score a single goal.
Entering the second half, the tension of the game remained high and the home team Arema FC conceded a goal first in the 74th minute through Hanif Syahbandi's feet. The player with the number 19 jersey who is also an Arema FC player managed to fire a hard kick after a melee in the opponent's penalty box.
Trailing 1-0, the Singo Edan team increased their attacks. This effort paid off when the match entered the 87th minute through a kick by Robert Lima Guimaress or who is familiarly called Gladiator. In a 1-1 draw, both teams did not launch their attacks, but until the four-minute extra time and the referee blew the long whistle, the scoreboard did not change.
From the results of this match, the U-22 National Team coach, Indra Sjafri, admitted that he was proud of the performance of all his players. He also admitted that he got many important lessons for his team. From a technical perspective, the Arema FC team is a big team filled with many quality players and tens of thousands of supporters who filled the stadium are also extraordinary non-technical factors.
Meanwhile, Arema FC coach, Milomir Seslija, appreciated the competitive spirit of his players and the U-22 National Team.
Next, the U-22 National Team will have a trial match with Madura United on February 12, 2018 so that the National Team is better prepared to face the 2019 AFF Cup competition which will be held on February 17 in Cambodia. (say/yon)
