Wimbo Satwiko

National team player Bambang Pamungkas found the net twice in the first half. (Photo: Yudhi Sukma WIjaya, JG)

Indonesia's National Football Team Beats Armed Forces in Friendly

At this point, any run-out is a good one for the Indonesian national team.

Taking the field in competition for the first time since Jan. 28, Indonesia began the run-up to two crucial 2011 Asian Cup qualifiers by beating Indonesian Armed Forces FC 4-1 in an exhibition at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday.

Bambang Pamungkas scored twice in the first half, while Talaohu Abdul Musyafri and Saktiawan Sinaga each found the net in second half. Charles Khorik scored a consolation goal for the Armed Forces side.

National team coach Benny Dollo said he used the match to assess two formations.

“We played with two formations in the match. First, we played with a 4-4-2, and in second half I tried a 3-5-2,” he said. “It’s quite good as the boys could execute the strategy.”

Indonesia has one more warm-up before its qualifying matches. It travels to Southeast Asian rival Singapore for a Nov. 4 friendly at Singapore National Stadium.

After that, it will fly to Kuwait on Nov. 6. Indonesia plays at Kuwait City on Nov. 14 before hosting the return leg on Nov. 18 at Gelora
Bung Karno.

Its remaining qualifiers are against the Group B co-leaders, hosting Oman on Jan. 6 and traveling to face Australia in Brisbane on March 3. Indonesia is last in Group B with two points from 0-0 draws at Oman and home to Australia.

Singapore, second in Group E on three points, hosts Thailand on Nov. 14 before visiting Bangkok on Nov. 18. In contrast to Indonesia, it has played seven international matches this year, including qualifiers against Iran and Jordan and a friendly against Liverpool.

Singapore and Indonesia last met on Dec. 9 in the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup group stage. The Lions won 2-0, with current Persija Jakarta defender Baihakki Khaizan scoring the opener.

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