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No one could think of the script for the game between Thailand and Indonesia, which was filled with emotion, drama, red cards and even fights that dragged on to extra time, with Indonesia coming out on top to win their first SEA Games men’s football medal in 32 years.
In the first minutes, Indonesia pushed forward and immediately put pressure on Thailand and created many chances. Their efforts finally paid off in the 21st minute with a reverse header from Ramadhan Sananta that deflected off Thailand’s Songchai and went into the net.
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Ramadhan Sananta celebrates the second goal for Indonesia against Thailand in the SEA Games 32 men's football final on May 26, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
Thailand made two early substitutions to gain back possession, but before they can do anything, Indonesia doubled the lead with a shot over the goalkeeper’s head by Sananta in the last additional minute of the first half.
In the second half, Thailand made some more changes to improve their attacking line, while Indonesia kept their defense solid. They were willing to commit fouls far from the goal to stop Thailand’s attacks but only could do so until the 65th minute when Anan Yodsangwal scored with a thumping header to shorten the gap.
The remainder of the second half saw Indonesia playing rough and hard, as they did everything to protect their lead, even if the players have to receive yellow cards. Both teams went back and forth with really dangerous chances, but the goals kept avoiding them.
The referee gave the second half seven additional minutes and for Indonesia, it was the longest seven minutes ever. When the referee blew the whistle at the seventh additional minute, Indonesia coach and players rejoiced and celebrated, but it was not the final whistle. Turned out, he was giving a freekick to Thailand.
What Indonesia feared the most happened when Thailand found the equalizer at the very last minute. The ball was crossed into the box and substitution Yotsakorn Burapha had an excellent first touch before finishing accurately to beat goalkeeper Ernando.
The second half ended at the 10th additional minute and the game entered extra time. Indonesia seemed to have kept their fighting spirit high because two minutes into the first extra time, they scored thanks to a mistake of Thailand defender Somchai Thongcham that put Irfan Jauhari in a convenient position as he chipped it over goalkeeper Soponwit.
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Players and coaching staff of both teams involved in a fight. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa |
It was this goal that caused a chaotic scene on the field as players and coaching staff from both teams were involved in an intense fight.
The referee had to ask the supervisors to identify the players who started the fight and gave out five red cards, of which one for Thailand keeper Soponvit, one for Indonesia defender Komang Trisnanda and three for the coaching staff of the teams.
Both teams played with 10 men until the 101st minute when Jonathan Khemdee got the second yellow card and was sent off.
In the second extra time, with nine tired players on the field, Thailand couldn’t make a comeback, as Fajar scored the fourth goal for Indonesia with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.
Thailand only played with eight men in the 118th minute when striker Teerasak received his second yellow.
Before the game is over, Indonesia netted one more time with a goal from Beckham Putra, securing a 5-2 win and putting an end to the 32-year wait for the SEA Games men’s football gold medal.
SEA Games 32 final: Thailand 2-5 Indonesia
