Indonesia U-17 beat Cambodia 2-0 as coach points to defensive tactics

Indonesia coach David Nascimento attributed his side’s limited scoring to Cambodia’s deep defence after a 2-0 victory in qualifying for the 2027 U-17 Asian Cup on 14 November. The result followed Indonesia’s 3-0 win over the Philippines.

Dolvi Solossa put Indonesia ahead in the 10th minute, before Melki Yatipai added the second in the 35th. Neither side scored after the break, despite Indonesia controlling play and repeatedly pushing Cambodia back into their own half throughout the 90 minutes.

Speaking after the match, Nascimento said Cambodia had focused on avoiding conceding rather than trying to play football. He said the presence of 10 opponents in the penalty area made it difficult for Indonesia to break through and create chances. Attempts to attack from wide positions also proved ineffective, he added, because his players were accustomed to through balls but had little space to use them. He said Indonesia had wanted more goals.

Indonesia next face Afghanistan and Myanmar as they seek the group’s qualifying place. Ramadhan Putra Negara and his teammates must finish top to reach the finals. They currently occupy second place in Group A, trailing Afghanistan only on goal difference.