Despite suffering two defeats, Laos still has a chance to qualify in the round of 16 in the Asian Games 2018. For its part, Laos will seek to defeat Indonesia.
Laos U-23 manager Mike Wong has prepared a defensive and offensive strategy to play against the Indonesia U23 team, who are likely to largely control the ball.
The strategy proved successful when Laos played against Palestine. Laos had taken the lead before it lost 1-2 to Palestine.
Laos` goal was the result of a quick counterattack, leading to a long shot to Palestine`s goal post.
The weakness of the Laos team is a lack of concentration due to their declining physical condition, after the match reached the 75th minute.
Palestine U23 scored the first goal in the 83rd minute and the second goal during the injury time.
In the first match of Group A, Laos lost 1-3 to Hong Kong, placing at the bottom of Group A with zero points.
To qualify in the group stage, Laos must beat Indonesia and win their last match against Chinese Taipei on Monday (Aug 20).
Meanwhile, Indonesia U23 will play against Laos without defender Bagas Adi Nugroho, who sustained a serious ankle injury.
Winger Irfan Jaya, who scored one goal in the group A match, also sustained a light ankle injury. Saddil Ramdani is likely to replace Irfan in the second match of Group A against Laos.
To face Laos, Indonesia will likely rely on its best players, including naturalized striker Alberto Goncalves and striker Stefano Lilipaly, who has scored two goals in the Asian Games 2018.
Palestine currently tops Group A, with Hong Kong trailing behind in the second position. Indonesia is ranked third with three points, ahead of Chinese Taipei in the fourth spot and Laos in the fifth position.
(S012/INE )
Reporting by Michael Siahaan
Editing by Suharto, Andi Abdussalam
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
