The Second Best Indonesian Futsal National Team Despite Being Defeated By Thailand In The 2022 AFF Cup

Indonesian Futsal National Team against Thailand in the 2022 AFF Cup in Bangkok/ Photo: Antara

JAKARTA – In the 2022 AFF Futsal Cup, the Indonesian futsal national team became the second best team after being defeated by Thailand on penalties. The two teams drew 2-2 during normal time, in the final match which was held in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, April 10.

In that match, Indonesia had a two-goal lead through Evan Soumilena and Ardiansyah Runtuboy, but Thailand managed to reply through Krit Aransanyalak and Muhammad Osamanmusa. Thailand finally beat Indonesia with a score of 5-3 in a penalty shootout.

Garuda squad started the game well. Not even 10 minutes into the game, Indonesia's pivotal mainstay Evan Soumilena scored the first goal for his team's advantage.

Thailand tried to retaliate, but goalkeeper Muhammad Albagir's scintillating performance and tight defense meant that they failed to change the score until half-time.

In the second half, Indonesia immediately stepped on the gas. Just five minutes after the match had started again, Indonesia doubled their lead to 2-0 through Ardiansyah Runtuboy's goal that took advantage of the rebound in front of the opponent's goal.

After that, Thailand who needed a goal began to control the game and locked Indonesia.

Always failing to deliver a goal after many attempts, Thailand began to apply a power play strategy starting in the 34th minute.

The result, in the 40th minute or less than one minute before the game was over, Thailand reduced the position through Krit Aransanyalak's kick.

The goal seemed to burn the spirit of the White Elephant team. Only a few seconds later, they produced an equalizer thanks to the pivot Muhammad Osamanmusa.

The score 2-2 made the match continue into extra time which was completed with the same position.

The game turned to a penalty shootout. Osamanmusa, who became Thailand's first kicker, managed to score a goal, which was equalized by Firman Ardiansyah.

Ronnachai Jungwongsuk made a 2-1 score that could not be balanced by Indonesia because Ardiansyah Runtuboy's penalty kick failed to break into the Thai goal.

Then, all the remaining Thai executors namely Panut Kittipanuwong, Krit Aransanyalak and Peerapat Kaewwilai managed to carry out their duties well.

Two other kickers from Indonesia, namely Syauqi Saud and Ardiansyah Nur actually scored from the penalty, but that could not save Indonesia from defeat.

For Thailand, the 2022 AFF Futsal Cup title is the 16th since the tournament was held in 2001.

Meanwhile for Indonesia, the runner-up is the fourth achievement after previously being achieved in 2006, 2008 and 2019. In all the final matches, Indonesia always met Thailand.