Captain Rizky Ridho said it took a miracle for Indonesia to defeat defending champion Vietnam in the semi-finals of the 32nd SEA Games.
Captain Rizky Ridho of Indonesia U22. Photo: Bola
In the semifinal match at the Olympic Stadium, Indonesia lost a man from the 60th minute, when Pratama Arhan received a second yellow card. In the 78th minute, they were tied 2-2 thanks to an own goal by Bagas Kafa. "Honestly, at that time, I didn't think Indonesia would win," Rizky told Antara today, May 23, when recalling the 32nd SEA Games semifinal match.
Indonesia's captain defender admitted he was shocked when the referee called for seven minutes of added time in the second half. But substitute striker Muhammad Taufany made it 3-2 in the seventh minute. "That's God's way of helping us win," Rizky added.
The 21-year-old central defender confirmed that he felt more nervous when facing Vietnam than Thailand. This is the first time he and an Indonesian team have won against Vietnam after many encounters at the U22, U23 and national team levels.
After beating Vietnam, Indonesia reached the final against Thailand. Rizky's team led 2-0 before being equalized in the final minute. This situation once again made Rizky and his teammates lose their spirit, as they lost the victory with only seconds left. "Marselino Ferdinan burst into tears, saying he was too tired and didn't know what to do," said Ridho. "I was also tired and depressed, but as captain, I started to calm my teammates down."
Rizky Ridho (red shirt, number 5) stops Indonesian and Thai players from fighting in extra time of the final match. Photo: Hieu Luong
Finally, Indonesia won 5-2 to win the SEA Games men's football gold medal after 32 years of waiting. In addition, the brawl between players of the two teams also became a special highlight in the final.
"I told my teammates we were leading 3-2 and not to get involved in this," the 1.83m centre-back added. "I tried to separate everyone but I got hit anyway."
Born in 2001, Rizky has been a mainstay at Persebaya Surabaya for many years, and has recently moved to the strong club Persija Jakarta. At the national team level, he has played 17 matches for the Indonesia U23 team and 21 matches for the national team. Ridho stands out thanks to his tall physique, but plays calmly, unlike most Indonesian players who are prone to anger.
Vnexpress.net
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