Indonesia U-20 Coach Turns to Finishing After Goalless Malaysia Draw

Indonesia’s Under-20 team controlled the momentum after the 30th minute against Malaysia, but could not turn that pressure into a goal. The scoreless draw at Laos’ Lao National Stadium left finishing as the main concern for coach Nova Arianto.

“First, we are very disappointed with the result. If we look at the match, Malaysia had the momentum at the start. But after the 30th minute, the momentum was actually ours until the end of the second half,” Nova said.

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First, we are very disappointed with the result. If we look at the match, Malaysia had the momentum at the start. But after the 30th minute, the momentum was actually ours until the end of the second half.

He credited the players for working hard and producing a good performance, but said several chances should have ended in goals. “There were some chances that should have been goals, but we were not able to convert them,” he said. Nova also included concentration in the coaching staff’s review, rather than focusing only on finishing.

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There were some chances that should have been goals, but we were not able to convert them.

The team returned to finishing drills during its recovery session on Tuesday, ahead of Thursday’s match against hosts Laos. Nova warned that Laos had strong speed, determination and fighting spirit.

The qualification format leaves little room for dropped points. Only the group winner and the seven best runners-up advance to the 2027 finals, and points against the team that finishes last in a group do not count. Nova has not yet decided whether to field his strongest lineup against Laos or preserve players for the later match against Australia. The coaching staff is still monitoring the squad before selecting the team.

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Laos, as the host, has very good fighting spirit. Its speed, willingness and determination are also very good.