After a long-awaited 32 years, Indonesia finally snatched the gold medal in football at the 2023 SEA Games by defeating Thailand 5-2 in a thrilling match held at the Olympic Phnom Penh on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The match was marked by a physical clash between the two teams.
Indonesia’s Ramadhan Sananta scored two goals against Thailand in the first half, while Irfan Jauhari, Fajar Fatur Rahman, and Beckham Putra added two more goals in the extra time periods.
The match began with Indonesia pressing high to prevent Thailand from developing their game. Despite Thailand’s attempts to mount attacks, Indonesia maintained their dominance in the early stages of the game.
In an attempt to defend, Indonesia’s goalkeeper Ernando Ari received a yellow card for tripping a Thai player who launched a counter-attack. The match ended in a 2-2 draw at full time, forcing the game to proceed into extra time.
Indonesia scored their winning goal in the first extra time period, when Irfan Jauhari capitalized on a defensive mistake by Jonathan Khemdee to put the ball into the back of the net.
However, this goal created a heated atmosphere on the pitch as officials from both teams got involved in a physical altercation. Komang Teguh and Thailand’s goalkeeper, Soponwit Rakyart, received red cards for their involvement.
Thailand’s Khemdee also received his second yellow card, reducing their team to nine players. Indonesia capitalized on this advantage by scoring two more goals, with Fajar Fatur Rahman scoring a long-range shot and Beckham Putra finishing off a well-placed cross from Rio Fahmi.
Indonesia’s win in the football final of the 2023 SEA Games brought an end to their long wait for a gold medal in this category. The last time they won gold was in the 1991 SEA Games, also against Thailand in a penalty shootout.
This victory not only showcases Indonesia’s potential in football, but also highlights the hard work and dedication of the players, coaching staff, and fans who have waited patiently for this moment.
