Had Underestimated, Thailand National Team Coach Admits Indonesia's Greatness, No Obstacle To Congratulations

The U-23 Indonesian national team made Thailand helpless in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Thailand national team, Issara Sritaro, acknowledged the greatness of the Indonesian national team after being eliminated from the semifinals of the AFF U-23 Cup. Had underestimated, Isssara is now not awkward to congratulate Shin Tae-yong's team.

The Thailand and Indonesia national teams met in the semifinals of the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup at Rayong Stadium, Thailand on Thursday, August 24 evening WIB. In that crucial match, the White Elephant Team was slaughtered 1-3 in front of their own supporters.

The moment of defeat at home and in front of his own supporters is clearly a painful thing for Thailand. But the coach relievedly acknowledged the opponent's superiority.

Sritaro did not deny that his team did not play well in this match.

"Congratulations to Indonesia. In this match we didn't play well," said Isssara Sritaro, quoted from the video uploaded by AFF, Friday, August 25.

In that crucial match, Jeam Kelly Sroyer opened three goals from outside the penalty box in the ninth minute. Muhammad Ferarri added the second goal in the 23rd minute through a header that put the Garuda Muda squad 2-0 up.

Meanwhile, Thailand was only able to end the deadlock in the 27th minute through Chukid Wanprahao. However, Indonesia again broke into Thailand's goal through an own goal by Natcha Promsomboon which made the score end 3-1.

The defeat to Indonesia did not make Thailand have to try its luck with Malaysia in the race for third place. Looking at the match on Saturday, August 28, Sritaro was determined to end this competition in third position.

"We will try to end this tournament as best we can, and hopefully it can be achieved," said Sritaro.