SEA GAMES 2011: RAHMAD APOLOGISES TO NATION

JAKARTA (22 Nov 2011) – In the wake of the loss to Malaysia in the final of the men’s football event last night and also the death of two Indonesian fans, Rahmad Darmawan, the chief coach of Indonesia, has offered his apologies to the nation.

And history repeated itself last night when Indonesia were denied yet again the SEA Games gold medal when they fell in the penalty shootout to Malaysia. In 1997, the Indonesians fell to Thailand at the same stage and at the same venue of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

“I offer my apologies to every Indonesians for the failure to deliver what was expected,” said Rahmad at the post match press conference. “The players are still affected by the loss and being young they are quite emotional at this stage, so they are not able to attend this press conference. I’m sorry.”

Indonesia were confident going into the final tie following their crushing 2-0 win over Vietnam in the semi-finals. And against Malaysia, they took the early lead through Gunawan Dwi Cahyo before the defending champions replied through Mohd Asraruddin Putra Omar.

The score at the end of regulation and extra-time was 1-1. The Malaysians emerged victorious in the penalty shootout with captain Baddrol Bakhtiar delivering the winner.

In the meantime, Rahmad has offered his condolences to the two Indonesian fans who lost their lives due to a crushing incident at the Gelora Bung Karno.

“I offer my condolences to the family of the two fans. I’m deeply troubled by this incident,” he added.

SEA GAMES 2011 SEMI-FINALS and FINAL RESULTS