U22 Indonesia won the SEA Games men's football championship after 32 years of waiting

Highlights U22 Indonesia 5-2 Thailand Coach Indra Sjafri and his students of the U22 Indonesia team won the gold medal in men's football at the 32nd SEA Games after a dramatic final match on the evening of May 16.

Not Thailand, Indonesia was the team that took the initiative after the opening whistle. Coach Indra Sjafri's team proactively pushed up the formation right after the opening whistle. The attacks of "Garuda Muda" had good speed but lacked precision in the decisive moments.

Marselino's pace and skill were a source of inspiration for Indonesia. In the ninth minute, the 19-year-old almost made the difference in the final when he dribbled past a line of defenders. However, his shot went over the bar.

The match was fierce and uncompromising. Photo: Bao Ngoc

On the other hand, Thailand did not need to hold the ball much but still created trouble with counter-attacks based on Teerasak's speed. Goalkeeper Ernando had to leave his goal many times to rush out, blocking the shooting angle of Thailand's number 9.

The deadlock was resolved by Indonesia in a familiar scenario. Arhan was suspended but the archipelago team still had another player with strong throw-in ability, Alfeandra. In the 20th minute, number 19 threw the ball strongly into the penalty area, causing a Thai player to fumble and score an own goal.

After conceding the goal, U22 Thailand rose strongly and created great pressure on the opponent's field with high balls. However, Indonesia held firm thanks to the dedication of the defenders and goalkeeper.

Too engrossed in attacking, the "War Elephants" left gaps in their defense. From a counter-attack in the 45+5 minute, Ramadhan broke through, finished and sent the ball over the goalkeeper's head, doubling the gap for Indonesia.

U22 Thailand had no choice but to fill up the squad as soon as the second half started. A good opportunity came early for the "War Elephants" in the 52nd minute. Settasit placed the ball skillfully from outside the penalty area, forcing the goalkeeper to dive as far as possible to save the goal.

The pressure from the blue team was confirmed by a goal that reduced the score to 1-2 in the 65th minute. From a corner kick on the left wing, substitute Anan jumped high and headed the ball, leaving Ernando rooted to the spot.

In the 90+10 minute of extra time, coach Indra Sjafri heard the referee's whistle and ran onto the field to celebrate. However, this was only a whistle for Thailand to get a free kick. The shock came right after, when Thailand's number 9, Yotsakon, entered the penalty area, controlled the ball neatly and then kicked the ball into Ernando's net, bringing the match back to the starting line.

The unbelievable scenario happened again in extra time. Thailand had the psychological advantage, but suddenly made a mistake in the 92nd minute. Irfan stole the ball from the opponent's number 5, before finishing delicately, beating the goalkeeper, thereby raising the score to 3-2 for Indonesia.

Irfan's goal sparked riots both on and off the pitch. The referee issued a series of red cards, two of which were to send off Thai players on the pitch, goalkeeper Soponwit, then centre-back Jonathan.

Players and coaching staff of the two teams collided until blood was shed. Photo: Bao Ngoc

With 9 men on the field, Thailand no longer had a chance to create a surprise. In the 107th minute of the second half, Fajar comfortably dribbled the ball and then fired a powerful shot into the far corner of the goal, re-establishing a 2-goal lead for Indonesia.

The nightmare did not end for Thailand. In the 119th minute, the "War Elephants" were down to 8 players when striker Teerasak was sent off after receiving 2 yellow cards. He had no choice but to trip Indonesia's number 6 to prevent him from getting close to the goal. Immediately after Teerasak left the field, Indonesia scored their 5th goal, thanks to a goal from substitute Beckham.

The fierce match at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium ended with a victory for Indonesia. After 32 years, 4 times in the final but always finishing second, the team from the archipelago country also won the SEA Games men's football gold medal. Meanwhile, Thailand lost for the second time in a row in the gold medal match.

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