Inp.polri.go.id - Surabaya. Indonesia’s U-19 national team won the AFF U-19 Championship on Monday (29/7/2024) after a narrow 1-0 victory over Thailand at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya.
The goal was scored by striker Jens Raven in the 17th minute, according to antaranews.com. The victory marked Indonesia’s second AFF U-19 Championship title, the first being 11 years ago in 2013 at Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo.
The match began with both teams cautiously probing each other’s defenses. Indonesia had an early chance in the 13th minute when striker Arlyansyah Abdulmanan’s shot was blocked by the Thai defense. A minute later, Thailand’s stiker Thanawut Phocai hit the post with a shot.
Indonesia’s breakthrough came from a set-piece. A corner kick by striker Muhammad Kafiatur in the 17th minute was headed by center-back Kadek Arel, and Raven, in the right position, scored his fourth goal of the tournament, giving Indonesia a 1-0 lead.
Indonesia sought a second goal, with Raven’s attempt in the 28th minute going over the bar. Thailand had a free-kick opportunity in the 36th minute, but midfielder Piyawat Petra’s effort was also denied by the post.
In the first half’s final moments, Indonesia’s midfielder Toni Firmansyah, a substitute for the injured Kafiatur, saw his shot easily saved by Thai goalkeeper Kittipong Bunma. The first half ended with Indonesia leading 1-0.
In the second half, Indonesia faced further challenges as Welber Jardim was substituted due to injury, replaced by Figo Dennis. Thailand pressed for an equalizer but was unable to breach Indonesia’s solid defense.
Indonesia’s coach Indra Sjafri had to make additional substitutions as Raven and striker Muhammad Mufli Hidayat were injured, replaced by striker Arkhan Kaka and midfielder Mufdi Iskandar. Despite Thailand’s dominance in possession, they could not break through, and Indonesia’s defense held firm.
The match ended 1-0, securing Indonesia’s second AFF U-19 Championship title and thwarting Thailand’s bid for their sixth title. The win echoes the success of the 2013 generation led by Evan Dimas and his teammates.
(mg/inp/pr/nm)
