SEA GAMES 2011: INDONESIA THROUGH, SECOND STRAIGHT PREMATURE EXIT FOR THAIS

SENAYAN (13 Nov 2011) – Indonesia defeated 9-man Thailand 3-1 at the Gelora Bung Karno here tonight to secure their place in the SEA Games football semifinals. For Thailand, once kingpins of the region, it was the second time in as many Games that they have faced a premature exit.

Thailand, who earlier lost to Malaysia, needed to win today to remain in contention, but two red cards in the 12th and 74th minutes shattered their dreams of making a comeback in the SEA Games which they won 13 times before.

Indonesia have nine points and will play Malaysia in their last group match on Nov 17 to decide which team tops the group. Malaysia defeated Cambodia 4-1 in an earlier game today and are second in Group A with seven points. Malaysia are not yet through as Singapore could also have seven points if they defeat Thailand in their last group match, also slated on Nov 17.

In tonight’s match, whatever strategy Thailand had lined up went out the window just 12 minutes after the game kicked off. That was after Thai defender Bunmathan Threeraton picked up two bookings in a space of three minutes and was sent off by referee Kim Jong Hyeok. It was a bitter blow for the Thais who needed to win to remain in contention.

Despite being a man short, Thailand had the first real crack at goal in the 19th minute. Komkrit Cumsokcheak’s stiff shot hit the post after it was punched out by keeper Kurnia Meiga  After that it was Indonesia all the way.

After a few close calls, Indonesia finally broke through ten minutes from the break. Hasim Kipuw crossed to the centre where Titus Bonai (pix) made no mistake to give his team the lead.

Thailand silenced the 40.000 plus fans in the 50th minute after star striker Ronnachai Rongsiyo converted a penalty. Defender Abdul Rahman clipped Sarach Yooyen just inside the top of the box and referee Jong Hyeok immediately awarded the penalty.

The goal briefly inspired Thais to get back into the game but it was all dashed in the 63rd minute. Titus let loose a grounder which Ukrit Wongmeema managed to narrowly push out. From the ensuing corner kick, Patrich Wanggai leapt above the Thai defenders to nod Indonesia ahead for the second time tonight.

Thailand suffered a crushing blow, one they would not be able to recover from, when Ekkasit Chaobut was sacked for a heavy tackle on Andik Vermansyah in the 74th minute. Despite the state they were in, the Thais, to their credit, continued to press on for the equaliser.

In the 91st minute, in a quick counter-attack, Ferdinan Sinaga scored to send his team through to the next round.

SEA GAMES FIXTURES
GROUP A

CURRENT STANDINGS