TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia U22 were held to a 1-1 draw by Thailand in SEA Games 2017 men’s football Group B in Kuala Lumpur today.
Thailand opened the scoring in the first half through Chaiyawat Buran in the 14th minute after a mistake by keeper Kartika Ajie. The Persiba Balikpapan player failed to claim a cross from Indonesia’s left-hand side.
The score remained 1-0 at the half-time break. Early in the second half, Indonesia failed to step up their game. Evan Dimas, Osvaldo Haay and Marianus Maryanto Wenemar were unable to score the equalizing goals despite a sustained attack on Thailand defense.
The goal came in the 61st minute when Osvaldo Haay penetrated down Thailand’s right-hand side, forcing a defender to foul the Persipura Jayapura player on the penalty box.
Chinese referee Wang Di signaled a penalty kick. Indonesian midfielder Septian David Maulana converted from the spot to change the score to 1-1.
After the equalizer, both sides took turn attacking but to no avail despite a number of glorious chances. The score remained 1-1 until the final whistle.
In another match in Group B, Vietnam trashed Timor-Leste 4-0. The former currently lead the table with 3 points. Indonesia U22 and Thailand bagged 1 point each, sitting in second and third place in SEA Games 2017 men’s football Group B.
DONNY WINARDI