Indonesia defeat Thailand after penalty shootout to face Vietnam in ASEAN U23 Championship final

Indonesian players celebrate their victory after the penalty shootout against Thailand in ASEAN U23 Championship semifinal at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on July 25, 2025. Photo by VnExpres/Hieu Luong

With the support of tens of thousands of fans at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, hosts Indonesia started the game in confidence. In the 7th minute, Rahmat Arjuna made a run on the left flank and passed the ball back to Dony Tri Pamungkas, who shot just wide of the post. Despite the pressure, Thailand responded calmly and quickly. Within three minutes, they created two clear chances: Yotsakorn Burapha’s header struck the crossbar and Phanthamit Praphanth failed to convert a one-on-one situation.

Indonesia looked more likely to score for the rest of the first half. In the 29th minute, Raven’s header beat the Thailand goalkeeper but was denied by the post. Their best chance came just before halftime, when Oktawian Wibowo broke through to face keeper Sorawat Phosaman, only to shoot straight at him.

The second half followed a similar fashion, with Indonesia pushing forward. However, Thailand scored first. From a counter-attack on the right, captain Seksan Ratree crossed for Yotsakorn Burapha, who controlled and finished from close range to beat goalkeeper Muhammad Ardiansyah.

After taking the lead, Thailand dropped deep and let Indonesia dominate possession. With little space to attack, the hosts resorted to long balls. Their persistence paid off when Jens Raven headed it in from a corner, leveling the score in the 84th minute. It was his seventh goal of the tournament.

Thailand players celebrate the opening goal against Indonesia. Photo by VnExpress/Hieu Luong

With the match tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time followed. Indonesia showed signs of fatigue and frequently allowed Thailand to attack. The second half of extra time was dominated by Thailand, who had several chances but failed to convert, especially when Chawanwit Sealao’s close-range rebound was saved by Ardiansyah.

The game was ultimately decided by penalties. Thailand missed their first attempt, while Indonesia missed their third. Earlier, Kakang Rudianto’s shot was saved, but the referee ordered a retake due to the Thai goalkeeper stepping off his line too early. Both sides converted their next attempts until Burapha, Thailand’s earlier scorer, missed his eighth shot. Indonesia’s Alfharezzi Buffon then scored the final penalty to clinch a dramatic 7-6 victory.

Indonesia will face Vietnam in the final, scheduled for 8 p.m. on July 29.

 

 

Indonesia defeat Thailand after penalty shootout to face Vietnam in ASEAN U23 Championship final

Highlights Indonesia Thái Lan