Before the match at Gelora Bung Karno on 25/7, Thailand had lost to Indonesia 2-5 in the 32nd SEA Games final and 1-3 in the 2023 AFF U23 Championship semi-final. The SEA Games match also saw a major brawl at the end of the second half, making subsequent encounters between the two teams always tense.

However, last night's match saw both teams play hard but without any clashes. Indonesia committed 3 fouls, while Thailand committed 11. The yellow card count was 5-2 in favor of Thailand.

Coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul (in green) during the Thailand vs. Indonesia match, which ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and then 6-7 on penalties in the 2025 AFF U23 Championship semi-final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia, on 25/7/2025. Photo: FAT

"Congratulations to Indonesia for reaching the final, but I must commend both teams," coach Thawatchai said in the post-match press conference. "All the players played with a joyful spirit and fair play."

Thailand had less possession, with 30%. But the team still managed 21 shots, 5 on target, while Indonesia had 16 shots with 3 on target.

In the first half, each team hit the woodwork once. In the 43rd minute, Oktawian Wibowo couldn't beat goalkeeper Sorawat Phosaman in a one-on-one situation. In the 60th minute, Yotsakorn Burapha opened the scoring after an impressive counter-attack. The score could have been doubled in the 72nd minute if goalkeeper Ardiansyah hadn't made a brilliant save from Wandee's powerful shot.

Indonesia then found the equalizer in the 84th minute thanks to Jens Raven's close-range header. In extra time, Thailand created more dangerous chances, especially in the 116th minute. Ardiansyah made a double save, denying Yotsakorn's powerful long-range shot and Sealao's follow-up.

"We may have made quite a few mistakes in this match, but we also had quite a few scoring opportunities," coach Thawatchai said. "However, the players still missed them in the final minutes."

In the penalty shootout, Thailand missed twice, leading to a 6-7 defeat. A notable incident occurred in the second round when goalkeeper Sorawat saved Kakang Rudianto's shot. However, the referee ruled that the goalkeeper had been off his line before the opponent touched the ball and ordered a retake.

"That was the decision of the referee who was there," coach Thawatchai said. "I accept this decision because I believe that both the referee and the assistant referee had the same opinion."

This is the second consecutive time Thailand has lost to Indonesia in the AFF U23 Championship semi-final. The team will face the Philippines in the third-place match on 28/7. One day later, Indonesia will play Vietnam in the final. Both matches will take place at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Hieu Luong