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JAKARTA: Bambang Pamungkas converted two late penalties as Indonesia
came from behind to beat Thailand 2-1 on Tuesday and send the
three-time champions crashing out of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
Thailand appeared to be on course for the win that they needed to
progress when Suree Sukha fired them ahead in the 68th minute at the
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
But Bambang levelled the score from the spot in the 81st minute and
then fired home the winner a minute from time to give the hosts their
third consecutive victory in Group A and condemn the Thais to an early
exit.
Despite securing top spot in the group before the match, Indonesia
coach Alfred Riedl opted to make only three changes to the side that
beat Laos 6-0 with Tony Sucipto, Muhamad Roby and Eka Ramdani coming
in for Firman Utina and Ahmad Bustomi, who each have a booking, and
the injured Hamka Hamzah.
Thailand coach Bryan Robson made four changes to his side from their
goalless draw with Malaysia with Suttinun Phukhom, Rangsan
Vivatchaichok, Kirati Keawsombut and Naruphol Aromsawa replacing
Suchao Nutnum, Sarayoot Chaikamdee, Sutee Suksomkit and Phichitphong
Choeichiu
There were worries for the Thais when goalkeeper Sinthaweechai
Hathairattanakool required lengthy treatment after an aerial collision
after just two minutes. But he managed to continue after having his
head heavily bandaged.
Cheered on loudly by the crowd of 65,000, the Indonesians showed
plenty of attacking intent early on but the first half quickly
descended into a physical battle with little in the way of clear-cut
chances.
Thai midfielder Rangsan Vivatchaichok should have done better in the
fifth minute when he fired a free-kick 25 metres from goal straight at
the wall while Indonesia goalkeeper Markus Harison bravely came out to
save at the feet of Datsakorn Thonglao in the 15th minute after Kirati
Keawsombut had gone around right back Mohammad Nasuha.
The Thais created a good opening on the half-hour when Rangsan
received a pass from Datsakorn on the edge of the box and quickly
relayed it to Kirati, who looked to be clear on goal but shot wide as
he was challenged by Zulkifly Syukur.
The Thais continued to press after the half-time break and nearly took
the lead in the 51st minute when Markus was caught out of position
after he failed to gather a cross by Rangsan. Datsakorn lofted the
loose ball towards goal but Maman Abdurachman headed it off his line.
The Indonesians had a chance of their own a minute later when the ball
was lofted into the Thai box for Christian Gonzales, who got to the
ball just ahead of Sinthaweechai but touched his effort just wide of
the far post.
Markus then atoned for his earlier error in the 55th minute with a
fine reflex save to keep out Kirati's spectacular bicycle kick from 10
metres.
With time beginning to run out on his side, Robson sent Therdsak
Chaiman on to replace Datsakorn in the 68th minute. And just a minute
later, they got the crucial goal as Kirati knocked the ball down in
the box for Suree, who volleyed into the top right corner.
But Indonesia came to life after falling behind and began to take
control of proceedings.
Arif Suyono saw his shot deflected over by Suchao Nutnum in the 78th
minute, and three minutes later, the hosts were awarded a penalty when
Gonzales appeared to be bundled over in the box by Panupong Wongsa,
who was booked.
Bambang was unerring from the spot, driving the ball past
Sinthaweechai into the bottom left corner.
Roared on by the home fans, they completed the comeback a minute from
time when they were awarded another penalty after Panupong handled
Arif's goal-bound attempt. Panupong was dismissed for his second
yellow card and Indonesia skipper Bambang made no mistake once again,
sending Sinthaweechai the wrong way from the spot to seal Thailand's
demise.
