Guam U17s drop match to group’s top-ranked country in AFC tourney

[October 4, 2022 – Harmon, Guam] Though the Pakansari Stadium was closed to spectators by a nationwide mandate following the tragic events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium during a league match over the weekend, emotions ran high during Match Day 2 of the AFC U17 Asian Cup Bahrain 2023™ Qualifiers at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, Indonesia.

“Indonesia fought with their heart,” said Samuel San Gil, Head Coach of the Guam U17 National Team. “You could feel the emotion of the players once they got on the field.”

Indonesia defeated Guam 14-0, welcoming news for the home country still reeling from the weekend tragedy following a league match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya on Oct. 1. The incident left at least 125 dead, according to CNN. The match took place at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java, which is about 902 kilometers away from Pakansari Stadium.

In response to the weekend tragedy, the PSSI and Local Organizing Committee closed the Pakansari Stadium to spectators and held a moment of silence ahead of the day’s matches for the victims.

In Monday’s match, Indonesia’s Arkhan Kaka Putra led all scorers with 4 goals.  Teammates Muhammad Nabil Asyura, M Riski Affrisal, Muhammad Narendra Tegar, Sulthan Zaky Pramana, Habil Abdillah Yafi, Figo Dennis Saputrannato, Muhamad Gaoshirowi, Ji Da Bin, and Jehan Pahlevi all scored once in the contest. Indonesia’s other goal came on a Guam own goal.

Guam next plays against Malaysia Wednesday at 4 p.m. Indonesia time (7 pm Guam time).