Thailand triumphs over Indonesia in 2025 AFF Women's Championship opener

Thailand's U23 squad easily defeated Indonesia in their opening match of the 2025 AFF Women's Championship on Tuesday evening.

* Goals: Phomsri 6’ 27’, Casteen 19’, Manowang 40’, Jinantuya 41’, Klinklai 71’, Promthongmee 72’

Thailand, under the guidance of former Japan women's national team coach Futoshi Ikeda (2021-2024), is currently undergoing a period of rejuvenation. Their squad in Vietnam comprises primarily U23 players, with defender Sakuna Senabuth, born in 1995, being the only exception. Of the remaining 22 players, 13 are U20, including two 17-year-old American-born players, Julie Gronning and Madison Casteen.

Meanwhile, Indonesia replaced their Japanese coach, Satoru Mochizuki, after failing to qualify for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. Joko Susilo has been appointed as interim coach.

Thailand forward Karjanathat Phomsri (blue) scored a brace in the 7-0 victory over Indonesia in their Group A opening match of the 2025 AFF Women's Championship at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 6/8/2025. Photo: FAT

The Indonesian women's team has also adopted a policy of naturalizing players of mixed heritage. Dutch-born players in the tournament squad include defender Noa Leatomu and forwards Isa Warps and Estella Loupattij. However, this wasn't enough for the 95th-ranked FIFA team to challenge their 46th-ranked opponents.

At Lach Tray Stadium in Hai Phong, Thailand dominated with 68% possession. They launched 31 shots, 16 of which were on target, resulting in 7 goals, while Indonesia failed to register any shots on target. Goalkeeping errors by Laita Masykuroh also contributed to Indonesia's early downfall.

In the sixth minute, Kaewanta's cross from the right wing forced an Indonesian defender to head the ball away. Goalkeeper Masykuroh hesitated while attempting to collect the loose ball, allowing Karjanathat Phomsri to head it into the empty net and open the scoring.

In the 19th minute, Madison Casteen's 25-meter shot found the left corner. The ball bounced before reaching the goal, but Masykuroh's awkward attempt to clear it with her foot resulted in Thailand's second goal. Masykuroh's third error occurred in the 41st minute when she misjudged a cross from the left, giving Jinantuya the opportunity to volley the ball into the unguarded net.

American-born Thai midfielder Madison Casteen celebrates after scoring the second goal in the 7-0 win over Indonesia in their Group A opening match of the 2025 AFF Women's Championship at Lach Tray Stadium, Hai Phong on 6/8/2025. Photo: FAT

Other Indonesian players struggled throughout the match, constantly chasing the ball and falling short of their opponents in both skill and speed. In the 27th minute, Rosdilah Rurrohmah fouled Phomsri inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick. Phomsri converted the penalty with a shot into the top right corner, completing her brace.

Thailand's remaining three goals came from well-coordinated plays. In the 40th minute, captain Chatchawan Rodthong exchanged passes with teammates before crossing from the left wing. Pichayatida Manowang made a run to meet the cross and scored the fourth goal from close range.

In the 71st minute, Thailand was awarded a free kick near the left sideline. Thongrong's cross found Pinyaphat Klikklai at the far post, who headed the ball past the Indonesian goalkeeper. A minute later, Promthongmee concluded a combination play on the right wing with a decisive shot from a tight angle, sealing the 7-0 victory.

American-born Thai midfielder Julie Gronning (10) came on as a substitute in the 69th minute. Photo: FAT

American-born Thai midfielder Julie Gronning (10) came on as a substitute in the 69th minute. Photo: FAT

This wasn't Thailand's biggest win against Indonesia in the AFF Women's Championship. In the 2015 tournament, Thailand defeated Indonesia 10-1 in the group stage. Their largest victory in the tournament was a 13-1 win against Laos in 2007. Meanwhile, Indonesia's heaviest defeat was a 0-14 loss against Vietnam in 2011.

The victory over Indonesia puts Thailand at the top of Group A. The other Group A match takes place at 7:30 p.m. today between hosts Vietnam and Cambodia.

The 2025 AFF Women's Championship, the 13th edition of the tournament, is being held from 6/8 to 19/8. Vietnam is hosting the tournament at two venues: Lach Tray Stadium in Hai Phong and Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.

Eight teams are divided into two groups, playing a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Thailand leads with four titles (2011, 2015, 2016, 2018), followed by Vietnam (2006, 2012, 2019), Australia (2008), Japan (2013), and the Philippines (2022).

Starting Lineups:

Thailand: Pawarisa Homyamyen, Supapron Intaraprasit, Natcha Kaewanta, Pluemjai Sontisawat, Chatchawan Rodthong, Rinyaphat Moodong, Pichayatida Manowang, Karjanathat Phomsri, Madison Casteen, Pinyaphat Klinklai, Janista Jinantuya

Indonesia: Laita Masykuroh, Remini Rumbewas, Rihla Aulia, Shalika Viandrisa, Reva Octaviani, Feni Binsbarek, Isa Warps, Rosdilah Rurrohmah, Vivi Riski, Marsela Awi, Viny Sunaryo.

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/thai-lan-dai-thang-indonesia-o-asean-cup-nu-2025-4923634.html