Jakarta, Oct 13 (NationPress) In their second friendly match, the India U23 men’s national team was held to a 1-1 draw against Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Monday.

After a scoreless first half, Korou Singh Thingujam (47’) put the Blue Colts ahead, but Dony Tri Pamungkas (71’) responded with an equalizer for the hosts.

Previously, India secured a 2-1 victory over Indonesia in their first encounter, leading head coach Naushad Moosa to implement six changes to the starting lineup for this match.

Seeking to bounce back from their earlier defeat, the Indonesian team attacked aggressively from the outset. However, the Blue Colts showcased impressive defense, keeping the scoreline unchanged for the majority of the first half.

In the 10th minute, Muhammad Rayhan Hannan fired an early shot, which was expertly saved by Indian goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan.

Kakang Rudianto attempted a header from a set-piece, but Chauhan leaped to tip it over the bar, preserving the clean sheet.

India looked for chances to counterattack, with Ricky Meetei nearly scoring with a powerful long-range shot that skimmed the Indonesia goal.

Just before half-time, Vibin Mohanan had a shot from the edge of the box, but the Indonesia goalkeeper made a crucial save.

After the break, India started strong, taking the lead just two minutes in when substitute Harsh Palande delivered a low cross that found Korou unmarked in the box, who calmly tapped it in.

Immediately following, Muhammed Suhail, another substitute, made a run into the box, but his effort was punched away.

Indonesia found their equalizer when Dony Tri Pamungkas converted a free-kick following a foul by Sumit Sharma just outside the box.

As the match neared its conclusion, Moosa made additional substitutions, including bringing on Priyansh Dubey to replace Chauhan in goal. Dubey later made a remarkable save from a long-range attempt by Rifqi Ray Farandi.