Indonesia defeats Hong Kong, China, leads soccer Group A
Indonesia defeated Hong Kong, China 3-1, in the final Group A preliminary match in the 2018 Asian Games men’s soccer at Patriot Chandrabaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, on Monday (8/20) night. The game was especially tense, with both teams relentlessly assaulting each other’s defenses for 90 minutes. Hong Kong scored the first goal by Lau Hok Ming the 39th minute. Indonesia escalated its attacks in the second half, scoring three goals — by Irfan Jaya in the 46th minute, Stefano Lilipaly in the 85th minute and Hanif Sjahbandi in the fourth minute of injury time. The host country has now secured its place as Group A champion, with nine points from four matches. Palestine is runner up of Group A, while, Hong Kong is now ranked third in the group, with seven points from four matches. Hong Kong finished with the highest points of third-placed teams in all groups. Indonesia, Palestine and Hong Kong can advance to the knockout stage.