SURABAYA (16 Sept 2013) – Striker Evan Dimas netted a hat-trick to steer Indonesia to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Thailand in a AFF Under-19 Championship Group B match at the Gelora Delta Sidoarjo tonight. Despite the win, Indonesia will have to slug it out with Malaysia for a place in the semi-finals.
Indonesia are second in the standings with nine points while Malaysia are third with seven. This means Indonesia only require a draw to advance to the next stage while Malaysia must best the hosts when they meet on Wednesday. Vietnam, which defeated Myanmar 3-1 today, are top of the group with 12 points and have already made the cut to the last four.
In tonight’s match, Indonesia displayed good form throughout the game to knock the Thais out of contention. Thailand were aiming for a win to remain in the running for the semifinals but their plans were dashed when striker Ratchanon was sent off in the 80th minute.
Evan had given Indonesia the lead in the 15th minute when his shot deflected off a defender and turned into goal. But Ratchanon brought the game back to level terms when he headed in the equalizer in the 45th minute.
Coach Indra Sjafri made a crucial change in the 72nd minute when he brought in Maldini who immediately began causing trouble down the right flank. Within minutes of coming on, he whipped in across to Evan who pulled it down and slammed his shot in.
Thailand conceded a penalty in injury time and Evan stepped up to score a memorable victory for Indonesia.
Malaysia will face hosts Indonesia on Wednesday while Thailand will battle Myanmar. Vietnam, who are already through, will face bottom-placed Brunei.
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES
1530hrs: Cambodia vs Singapore
1730hrs: Philippines vs Timor Leste
RESULTS – Group B
Vietnam 3 Myanmar 1
Brunei 0 Malaysia 5
Thailand 1 Indonesia 3
Group B Current Standings
| Teams |
P |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
PTS |
| Vietnam |
4 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
4 |
5 |
12 |
| Indonesia |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
11 |
4 |
7 |
9 |
| Malaysia |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
5 |
7 |
| Myanmar |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
9 |
6 |
3 |
4 |
| Thailand |
4 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
12 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
| Brunei DS |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
24 |
-24 |
0 |
