Indonesia secured their place in the final of the ASEAN U23 Mandiri Cup 2025 after a nerve-wracking 7-6 victory over Thailand in a sudden-death penalty shoot-out, following a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Friday.
Heroic goalkeeper Muhammad Ardiansyah emerged as the match-winner, saving Thailand’s eighth penalty from Yotsakon Burapha before Alfharezzi Buffon calmly converted the decisive spot-kick, sparking celebrations among the home crowd. The victory sets up a showdown with reigning champions Vietnam in the final on Tuesday.
Thailand had taken the lead on the hour mark through Yotsakon, who finished confidently after a slick move orchestrated by captain Seksan Ratree. But Indonesia refused to back down, and with just six minutes remaining, Jens Raven rose above the defense to power home a header from Hannan’s corner, dragging the hosts back into the contest.
The match was filled with drama from the outset. Thailand nearly struck early in the 11th minute when Pattarapon Suksakit flicked a header off Chaiyaphon Otton’s corner onto the crossbar. Indonesia responded around the half-hour mark, with Raven coming close as his clever flick off Rahmat Arjuna Reski’s low cross clipped the post and rolled wide.
Ardiansyah proved vital in goal once again, pulling off a brilliant fingertip save to deny a powerful left-footed drive from Siraphop Wandee that looked destined for the top corner.
In extra time, both sides pushed for a winner, but it was Ardiansyah who kept Indonesia alive, producing a spectacular double save — first to block Yotsakon and then to deny Chawanit Sealao — with just over five minutes remaining.
With the score still tied, the match headed to penalties. The tension reached fever pitch as Pichitchai Sienkrathok rattled the crossbar with Thailand’s first attempt, while Robi Darwis had his shot saved by Sorawat Phosaman in the third round. The shoot-out extended into sudden death, where the spotlight once again turned to Ardiansyah.
In the eighth round, Ardiansyah guessed correctly to stop Yotsakon’s tame effort, diving to his right. Moments later, Alfharezzi stepped up with composure and drove home the winning penalty, sending Indonesia into the final with a roaring home crowd behind them.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
