Indonesia comeback stuns Thailand in AFF Suzuki Cup final first leg

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:51 am

Indonesia came back from a goal down to beat Thailand 2-1 in an action-packed AFF Suzuki Cup first-leg final at a capacity Pakansari Stadium in Bogor on Wednesday night.

The Merah Putih stunned the defending champions with two goals in five second-half minutes after the Thais led 1-0 at half-time.

The slim advantage gives Alfred Riedl's men some breathing space ahead of the return leg in Bangkok on Saturday, but the Austrian will be satisfied, having seen his side snatch victory to upset the tournament favourites.

Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang restored a full-strength lineup from the side who thrashed Myanmar 4-0 in the second-leg semifinal on Dec. 8.

Kroekrit Thawikan and Koravit Namwiset were brought in for defensive steel, while Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda were tasked to fashion an away goal. 

It almost came as early as the seventh minute when Ricky Pora hit an abysmal backpass that was snatched by Tristan Do.

The wing back, however, dragged his shot wide, with only goalkeeper Kurnia Hermansyah to beat. But that chance spelled the beginning of Thai domination, who outclassed their opponents with their precise, "tik-tok" possession football.

Sarawut Masuk was next to have a crack at goal, but fluffed a half volley just wide in the 14th minute.

Rizky Pora for Indonesia in AFF
Rizky Pora for Indonesia in AFF
TED ALJIBE/AFP/Getty Images

Indonesia's increasing pressure compounded five minutes later when their livewire winger Andik Vermansyah pulled up injured with a leg problem, and had to be stretched off.

Zulham Zamrun came on in his place, but Indonesia lacked the cutting edge upfront, and were punished at the back after 33 minutes.

It came through none other than the tournament's leading marksman Teerasil. He capitalised on a perfect delivery from Theerathon Bunmanthan to bury a low header past Kurnia, into the bottom corner.

Chanathip shot directly at Kurnia from close range as Thailand closed the half by far the superior side.

They continued in cruise control mode after the break. But the game turned on its head midway through the second half when Indonesia staged an unlikely comeback. The Garudas found the equaliser in the 65th minute, and it was a strike that came out of nothing.

When Rizky Pora received possession 25 metres from goal, there appeared little danger with three Thailand defenders in front of him.

But the winger's daisy cutter took a heavy deflection off Tristan, and nestled into the far corner after leaving Kawin flat-footed.

The home side were fired up to find the second goal, and roared on by the Bogor crowd, they took the lead five minutes later.

Rizky was once again the architect, floating in a delicious inswinging corner that was met by the head of defender Hansamu Pranata. It was a perfect connection that looped over Kawin, and Sarach Yooyen, to give Indonesia hope of their first-ever AFF Cup title.

Lerby Eliandry missed the chance to add a third in injury time, but the Indonesians still ended the contest as deserved winners.

However, Thailand will still be favourites to turn the tie in their favour in Saturday's second leg at Rajamangala Stadium.