The rising Papuan star Titus Bonai notched up the first goal for the hosts in the 32nd minute after utilizing a cross from Thailand’s left flank defense with a powerful header.

Several minutes later, Thailand’s defense was ransacked by Indonesia’s rapid attacks on both their flanks.

Thailand was handicapped when Theeraton Bunmathan, was sent off by referee Kim Jong-hyok of South Korea for holding back Indonesia’s Hendro Suswanto in the 12th minute.

Just four minutes into the second half, Indonesia’s Abdul Rahman conducted a risky challenge inside Indonesia’s six yard box on Thailand’s Sarach Yooyen. Thailand was rewarded with a penalty kick which was successfully executed by Ronnachai Rangsiyo to level the score at 1-1.

Indonesia was able to regain their leading position when a corner kick in the 63rd minute was converted to a goal after Patrich Wanggai headed in a loose ball. Thailand however was still able to pose threats to the Indonesian defense by maintaining industrious pressure.

The high-paced game stirred up tension with Indonesia and Thailand exchanging fouls until the 72nd minute when another Thai player, Ekkasit Chaobut, was sent off for making a dangerous tackle on an Indonesian player.

Two minutes before the final whistle, Indonesia scored a finishing goal as Ferdinan Sinaga faced Thailand’s keeper in a one-on-one challenge. Thailand clocked up four yellow cards and two red cards in total. It was the first time in SEA Games history that a Thailand team was ousted from the competition before reaching the semifinal stage.

“The Thai players have shown great improvement since the match against Malaysia,” said Indonesian coach Rahmad Darmawan. “I saw a huge effort from my players to get out from under the pressure. This is a good lesson on how to build a solid and effective team,” said Rahmad.

“If we could avoid the red cards, I think the game would be more exciting,” said Thailand team manager Kasem Jayawatwong after the match.

“Technically our players are very young, 19 to 21 years old, thus they are not yet used to this kind of [atmosphere]. The referee should have given them more chances, and not have been too quick with the red cards,” he added.

Indonesia met the Thais in the 1997 SEA Games in Jakarta when the hosts were ousted after a penalty drama won by Thailand, 4-2.

Roller sports athletes contributed four golds during the day, track and field athletes won three gold medals, swimming contributed two, while cycling and diving each collected one gold. (rpt)

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