Thailand’s quest for a SEA Games men’s futsal gold medal came to a halt after a heavy 1–6 defeat to Indonesia in their fourth and final group match of the 33rd SEA Games at Nonthaburi PAO Gymnasium, Nonthaburi.
Needing only a draw to secure the gold after collecting a perfect nine points from wins over Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam, the Thai side instead endured a night to forget as Indonesia produced a ruthless and disciplined performance to snatch the title race away.
Head coach Miguel Rodrigo named a strong starting five featuring Arut Senbat (GK), Worasak Sriharungpaiboon, Kritsana Aranyasanyalak, captain Itticha Prapaphan, and Amarin Ekaphan.
Thailand began aggressively, trading early attacks with Indonesia and creating several promising chances. Kritsana and Chawalit Sriaruth both tested Indonesian goalkeeper Ahmad Habibi, who would go on to deliver a standout performance between the posts.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the 13th minute when Thailand conceded a penalty, calmly converted by Firman Adriansyah to give Indonesia a 1–0 lead. Just two minutes before halftime, Syaki Saad doubled the advantage from a cleverly-worked free kick, sending Thailand into the break trailing 0–2.
The second half saw Indonesia grow in confidence and composure. Samuel Eko made it 3–0 in the 23rd minute from a kick-in before Thailand, desperate to claw their way back, resorted to a power-play strategy.
Indonesia repeatedly intercepted passes and punished Thailand’s exposed defence, with Rizky Amanda, Ardiansyah Nur, and once again Adriansyah Nuh finding the net to stretch the scoreline to 6–0.
Thailand’s only consolation came late on in the 37th minute, when Kritsana Aranyasanyalak finished off a power-play move following an assist from Worasak Sriharungpaiboon.
The final whistle confirmed a 6–1 victory for Indonesia, consigning Thailand to the silver medal despite their dominant run earlier in the tournament.
It was a sobering conclusion for the hosts, who had been firmly in control of their destiny, but were ultimately undone by Indonesia’s clinical finishing and Habibi’s inspired goalkeeping.
While silver is a respectable achievement, the manner of defeat will sting for Thailand, especially given how close they were to gold. For Indonesia, the emphatic win underlined their rise as a regional futsal powerhouse.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
