Bobotoh Jakarta

Bandung. Indonesia’s youngsters fought their way to a 0-0 draw with Australia at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Saturday.

The result did not affect Australia’s chances of advancing to the AFC Under-19 Championship as it had already qualified, but it did leave the host nation with a chance to end qualifying in third place.

“Both teams really wanted to win, and the boys showed a good performance,” Indonesia coach Cesar Payovich said. “It’s the best result we could get. We studied Australia’s style a lot as we considered them a tough opponent.”

Australian coach Johannes Versleijen also praised the Indonesian team.

“I want to congratulate Indonesia. They’re a well-organized and good team,” he said. “I used the match to give my players chances to play, but we still had to give 100 percent to play Indonesia.”

Australia nearly took an accidental lead in the early going when Joshua McVey’s cross forced goalkeeper Tri Windu Anggono into a save, and McVey forced Windu into action again in the 11th minute with a hard shot.

Windu’s Australian counterpart, Mark Birighitti, scrambled to make a save two minutes later after Abdul Rahman Lestaluhu met Syamsir Alam’s cross.

James Virgili was another threat for Australia, and he gave the home fans a scare when he hit the crossbar in the 17th minute.

Indonesia came close to breaking the deadlock twice in the final 10 minutes. Rizky Pellu released Alan Martha behind the Australian defense, but Birighitti managed to push the midfielder’s shot wide. Alan had another chance on a counterattack, but his effort hit a defender and rolled behind.

Indonesia wraps up qualifying when it hosts Hong Kong on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

“Playing against Hong Kong is different. They showed good fight when playing Japan and Australia,” Payovich said. “They’re strong, but I’m confident we can end the tournament in third place.”