Thailand opened the score right in the second minute as their captain Chanathip Songkrasin finished cleanly after receiving a pass in the right flank.
Conceding early reduced Indonesia’s excitement and broke their game plan, which was to play counter-attacking football. But Indonesia also failed to put pressure on Thailand to seek an equalizer. On the contrary, Thailand kept creating chances and if it wasn’t for Indonesia keeper Nadeo Argawinata, the score would have been 2-0 in the first half.
The best chance that Indonesia got in this game was in the 41st minute as Alfeandra Dewangga missed a sitter after receiving a pass from the left flank.
Thailand only needed five minutes into the second half to double their lead. It’s Songkrasin again with a great teamwork play with Supachok Sarachat.
Indonesia tried to attack but that’s when they revealed lots of space behind. Thailand put out deadly counter-attacks and the third goal came from Sarachat with a lethal finish from outside the box in the 67th minute.
Thailand made it four in the 83th minute with a clean finish from Bordin Phala, also from a counter-attack.
With the impressive win in the first leg, Thailand are already one hand on the AFF Cup title before the second leg that will take place on Saturday.