Indonesia made a fabulous start to their campaign in Group B of the men’s football event at the SEA Games 2019 when they dumped defending champions Thailand 2-0 in their opening match that was played at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
It would seem that the decision by Thai head coach Akira Nishino not to include two over-aged players would haunt them as Indonesia were in full control throughout.
It took the Indonesians just four minutes to carve out the first goal when the highly rated Egy Maulana Vikri to stab home the cross from Evan Dimas that the Thai defense took too long to clear.
Osvaldo Haay then completed the win with the easiest of tap-ins following a quick counter attack four minutes to the end.
“Winning the three points is important as it will provided the best motivation for the remaining matches,” said Indonesia head coach Indra Sjafri after the match.
In the meantime, Laos and Singapore battled to a scoreless draw in the match that was played later in the evening at the same venue.
Both teams created a hatful of chances but neither could find the last touch to make the difference.
At the end of the first round of matches in Group B, Vietnam lead the standings by virtue of their big win over Brunei DS yesterday.
Indonesia are on second with the same three points as Laos and Singapore with a point each.
Thailand are on fifth with Brunei DS closing the group.
