Sports Desk //

Host nation Indonesia has won the title of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup. The final ended in a 1-1 draw within the regulation 90 minutes. Both teams scored a goal each during extra time, bringing the scoreline to 2-2. Consequently, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, where Indonesia made history by defeating Thailand 4-2.

The hosts played with an aggressive mindset from the very beginning. In the first half, they maintained possession for over 60 percent of the time. However, despite taking three shots, Indonesia failed to find the back of the net. On the other hand, Thailand took only two shots. The teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

The deadlock was broken in the 84th minute of the second half. Indonesia took a 1-0 lead when a shot by Dean James deflected off a Thai defender and into the net. However, Thailand equalized just three minutes later; Eklas Sanron scored from a pass by Seksan Ratra. Regulation time ended with the score at 1-1.

No goals were scored during the first 15 minutes of extra time. Then, in the 111th minute, Thailand took the lead for the first time in the match. Piradol Chamrasami found the net with an assist from Ane, making the score 2-1. However, Indonesia’s Elkan Baggott scored in the 115th minute to level the match at 2-2, sending the game to a penalty shootout.

Both teams scored on their first two penalty attempts. Indonesia also converted their next two kicks. However, Thailand’s third shot struck the crossbar and rebounded, while their fourth shot was saved by Odero. With this, Indonesia became the champions of the inaugural ASEAN Cup.

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