President Congratulates RI's Squad After It Beat Vietnam

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) congratulated the country's soccer squad (Timnas) "Garuda" after it defeated the Vietnamese team in the semifinal of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki 2016 championship on Saturday evening (Dec 3).

"I would like to congratulate (the Timnas) on their hard work. Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations," the president stated after watching the match.

The head of state, who watched the first leg of the AFF's semifinals, pointed out that a victory of this kind was a very good start for the country's team.

Hansamu Pranata scored the goal for the Timnas in the seventh minute while Boaz Solossa found the target through a penalty kick in the 50th minute.

Vietnam's solitary goal was netted by Nguyen Van Quyet in the 17th minute, also through a penalty kick.

Soon after the Timnas were declared the winners, Jokowi took time to meet all the Timnas players and coaches in the field to congratulate them in person.
While watching the soccer match, the president was accompanied by Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Setya Novanto, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, commander of the Defense Forces (TNI) General Gatot Nurmantyo and the general chairman of the All Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Edy Rahmayadi.

The Timnas will play against the Vietnamese team in the second leg of the semifinals in Hanoi on Wednesday (Dec 7).

The match was held in Pakansari stadium, Cibinong sub-district, West Java Province. Earlier, Vietnam had emerged as the winner of group B.

The Indonesian soccer squad (Timnas) "Garuda" had ensured a place in the semifinal after beating Singapore 2-1 (0-1 at half time) in a match at the Ridzal Memorial Stadium, Manila, the Philippines, on Friday (November 25), emerging runners-up in group A with four points. Thailand topped group A with nine points after beating Philippines 1-0 the same day. (WDY)

Reported by Hanni Sofia Soepardi