The national Under-23 team played out a 1-0 loss to their Indonesian counterparts last night in a friendly match which was dominated largely by the hosts.

The game at Yogyakarta's Maguwoharjo Stadium saw some fierce backing from the Indonesian crowd, but despite the charged atmosphere punctuated by flares and football chants, the national team who were playing in their first international friendly since being formed in March held out for a goalless draw at the break.

Goalkeeper Muhd Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof kept Brunei in the game with three key saves in the first half of the match that both sides were using as preparation for December's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, with Adi Said the most potent attacking threat up front for the visitors in a livestream broadcasted by Indonesian channel RCTI.

Playing as the lone striker up front, Adi's best chance came in the 25th minute with a header that was easily saved.

Indonesia controlled possession and territory throughout the match, with Brunei forced to attack on the counter with quick passes to Adi.

The hosts got in front five minutes after the restart after Andri Ibo's cannon from inside the box that left Muhd Fakhrul Zulhazmi rooted to the spot.

Though Indonesia would threaten Muhd Fakhrul Zulhazmi's goal several times again, the Bruneian defence and a lack of cohesiveness by Indonesia, partly due to their numerous second-half substitutions meant that Ibo and gang had to settle for the slimmest of victories.

Indonesia were coming off a 1-1 draw against Singapore in Solo and a 1-0 loss to the same opponents in the city state.

The national Under-23 team, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to DPMM FC in a friendly at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Monday.

The team are also set to compete at next month's Borneo Games in Sabah and October's Inter-City Football tournament in Sarawak.

Courtesy from Brunei Times