In the second friendly match held at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Monday, the India U23 football team was restricted to a 1-1 draw by Indonesia. Following the goalless first half in the game, Korou Singh Thingujam led from the front and gave hope for Men in Blue in the 47th minute. However, in the 71st minute, Indonesia’s Dony Tri Pamungkas equalised the score, preventing the loss on home soil.
Let’s take a look at how the match went.
India U23 Football Team Faces Draw
On October 13, 2025, the India U23 football team played a 1-1 draw against Indonesia in the second friendly match at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. Following the impressive 2-1 win over the host, India had to settle for a draw in the second match despite taking an early lead at the beginning of the second half.
Both teams started the game with caution, with Indonesia having a serious desire to avenge the previous loss. The Indians held their own ground in the initial phases of the attack by the hosts. Goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan was in good form, making some key saves, including a spectacular save when Muhammed Rayhan Hannan attempted the goal, and another acrobatic save when Kakang Rudianto placed a header.
Talking about the possession of the game, Indonesia dominated in the very first half, while India was waiting to make a counterattack, given the opportunity. Ricky Meetei and Vibin Mohanan tested the Indonesian goalkeeper when they made a powerful strike from long range and the edge of the box.
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While the first half concluded in a goalless draw, India began the second half with new energy. The substitute Harsh Palande did not take long to have an effect, with a low cross on the left flank that landed Korou Singh Thingujam alone in the box. Korou tapped the ball calmly in order to put India ahead in the 47th minute.
The goal was a motivation for the India U23 football team as they almost doubled the lead a minute later when Muhammed Suhail dribbled and fired the shot, which was saved by the Indonesian keeper.
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Despite suffering a one-down goal, Indonesia held their nerves and did not stop attacking. In the 71st minute, Dony Tri Pamungkas stood still for the team and scored the free-kick, past the Indian wall and goalkeeper, making the score 1-1. The India U23 football team was desperate to repeat the score of the first friendly as the coach made a few changes in the final minutes.
Naushad Moosa brought Priyansh Dubey as a new goalkeeper who made an excellent save to equal the match at 1-1. Despite the draw, India’s defensive performance was the talk of the town, especially when they almost took the game from Indonesia following the first goal.
Amit Mishra’s View
As a football fan who has been following the Indian football scene for many years, the second friendly between the India U23 football team and Indonesia was exciting as both teams displayed their competitive side. Coming off of a 2-1 win over Indonesia, it was a good opportunity for India to again dominate in the second friendly.
On the other hand, Indonesia lost the opportunity to avenge the loss as they were only able to equalize the score, that too in the final minutes of the game. The game turned out to be a significant one for both teams as the players managed to perform when it mattered the most.
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