There will be no ASEAN Football Federation title again for Indonesia this year as the host’s Under-19 national soccer team lost 3-2 in a penalty shootout against rival Malaysia in the AFF U19 Championship semifinal on Thursday.

The loss was a repeat of last year’s performance as the red-and-white team could only finish in third place. This year, Indonesia will face 2017 champion Thailand, which lost 1-0 to Myanmar in an earlier match, to fight for the third-place spot.

Indonesia’s last win in the event was when it was the host in 2013. At that time, Indonesia won 7-6 in a penalty shootout, after a scoreless draw in regular play against Vietnam.

In the Thursday semifinal at Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo of East Java, the host team opened the match in a convincing performance, breaking early Malaysia’s net in the second minute as on-fire Egy Maulana Vikri made a flawless shot.

Egy, who plays for Poland’s Lechia Gdańks, took the opportunity to execute the kick after Saddil Ramdani was fouled.

Refusing to surrender, Malaysia stayed focused despite loud cheers from the home crowd as it managed to make an equalizer in the 14th minute with Muhammad Syaful’s header.

Indonesia got up again, trying to extend its offensive strategy with several attacks, but to no avail after 30 minutes of play.

In response, Malaysia pushed back in the 35th minute with Muhammad Hadi Fayyadh trying to penetrate from a penalty box on Indonesia’s left side, but goalkeeper Muhamad Riyandi managed to block the ball.

The hosting team seemed frustrated by Malaysia’s pressure in the remaining minutes of the first half as the guests often made their way into the penalty box.

Entering the second half, the Indonesians took the initiative to pressure the guests as an opportunity came in the 50th. Egy offered the ball to Witan Sulaiman, who had a direct shot at Malaysia’s net but was denied by goalkeeper Muhammad Azri.

Malaysia showed more threats in the 56th, but it was still manageable for the Indonesians.

In the 87th minute, Egy, who seemed injured, was forced to exit the field. Hanis Saghara Putra came in as the substitute.

The score was equal until 90 minutes, which led to a penalty shootout.

Indonesia’s Muhammad Luthfi gave the host hope as he made an opening score in the shootout. Malaysia’s Shivan Asokan made an equalizer.

Indonesia’s Rivaldo kept the hopes alive, but then was immediately shattered by Malaysia’s Nabil Hakim.

Witan Sulaiman’s failure to break the net shook Indonesia’s confidence.

As Malaysia’s Akif Syahiran scored a goal, Indonesia’s Firza Andika failed to add more points to the nervous team.

In two decisive shots, both Malaysian and Indonesian players failed to score. But with Akif’s shot it was enough to wrap up the match 3-2 for Malaysia.

In the final, Malaysia will face Myanmar, which stunned four-time winner Thailand.

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