Defeating Thailand on penalties, U23 Indonesia meets Vietnam in the final of U23 Southeast Asia

On the evening of July 25, the second semi-final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship between U23 Indonesia and U23 Thailand took place at the Bung Karno Stadium. Both teams entered the match with an undefeated record in the group stage.

Right from the first minutes, the home team Indonesia attacked and controlled the game, while U23 Thailand organized a tight defense and waited for the opportunity to counterattack. The two teams played a tug of war, but did not create many truly dangerous opportunities. The first half ended with a score of 0-0.

In the second half, the game did not change much. U23 Indonesia continued to press the field, but it was U23 Thailand who opened the score. In the 61st minute, from a sharp counter-attack, captain Ratree had a favorable cross for Yotsakorn Burapha to finish delicately, putting the team from the Golden Temple country to take a 1-0 lead.

Immediately after that, U23 Indonesia tried to attack to find an equalizer. They created a number of dangerous chances, including Hannan's shot that missed the post. The home team almost conceded a second goal if not for the timely save from the defender after goalkeeper Ardiansyah was defeated in a Thai counter-attack.

Indonesia's pressure finally paid off. In the 83rd minute, from Hannan's corner kick, Dutch-born naturalized striker Jens Raven jumped high and powerfully headed the ball home, tying the score at 1-1 for the home team.

In the final minutes of the match, Indonesia continued to maintain pressure but could not score any more goals. The two teams tied 1-1 and had to go into extra time.

Both teams entered the extra time with significantly reduced physical strength. U23 Thailand almost ended the match after a dangerous counter-attack. Goalkeeper Ardiansyah failed to come out, but fortunately an Indonesian defender rushed back to clear the ball just before Darwis could finish into the empty net.

Despite Indonesia U23's efforts to attack and the enthusiastic cheers from the home crowd, the Thai defense still stood firm. No more goals were scored in extra time, forcing the two teams to enter a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

On the 11m mark, the home team Indonesia showed their mettle, they successfully executed all 7 kicks, while U23 Thailand only scored 6 goals. In the end, U23 Indonesia won 7-6 in the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, officially winning the ticket to the final.

With this victory, U23 Indonesia will face U23 Vietnam in the final match of U23 Southeast Asia 2025, taking place on July 29. Meanwhile, U23 Thailand will enter the third-place match with U23 Philippines./.