JAKARTA - Indonesia’s dream of winning the AFF Suzuki championship is just a step away, after they defeated defending champions Thailand 2-1 on Wednesday in Bogor, Indonesia.
Playing in the first leg of the final at Pakansari Stadium, Thailand’s Teerasil Dangda managed to secure the first goal of the match in the 33rd minute.
But, cheered on by around 30,000 supporters, the home team fought hard to win the match.
Indonesia’s Rizky Pora secured an equaliser in the 65th minute. Less than five minutes later, Hansamu Yama struck another goal for Indonesia.
Indonesia have made the finals five times but have never won the title.
Indonesia’s success in the first leg comes as a surprise, as it entered the tournament without having played any competitive matches since the last AFF Suzuki Cup in 2014.
They served a one-year ban from international events imposed by world football body FIFA.
The AFF Suzuki Cup is the first international tournament for Indonesia after the ban was lifted in May.
The second leg of the final will be played on Saturday in Thailand.
Thailand are seeking to win the Cup for a record-extending fifth time.-AFP
