Indonesia’s opening 0-1 loss to the Philippines on Dec. 8 set the tone for a challenging group stage. Vietnam’s 2-0 victory over Malaysia on Dec. 11 at Rajamangala Stadium briefly gave the Indonesian team a chance to advance as the best second-placed team. But to secure a wildcard spot in the semifinals, Coach Indra Sjafri’s team needed to beat Myanmar by at least three goals, or by two goals with high scoring such as 5-3, 6-4, or 7-5.
At the 700th Anniversary Stadium, Indonesia dominated possession but struggled to convert opportunities, relying mainly on long throw-ins and corner kicks. The breakthrough came in the final minutes of the match when substitute Jens Raven scored twice, giving Indonesia a 3-1 lead. Despite the late surge, the team could not score the additional goals needed to advance.
With the 3-1 victory, Indonesia finished with three points and a +1 goal difference, equal to Malaysia. However, Malaysia advanced to the semifinals due to scoring more total goals (4 versus 3).
Malaysia will face host nation Thailand, who won both of their Group A matches with a total score of 9-1. The other semifinal will feature Vietnam against the Philippines. Both matches are scheduled for Dec. 15.
Coach Indra Sjafri of Indonesia. Photo by Read/Lam Thoa |
Indonesia, who won men’s football gold at the previous SEA Games in 2023, began the Friday match aggressively, seeking the needed three-goal margin. In the 4th minute, Rayhan Hannan’s shot narrowly missed the post. However, Myanmar took the lead when Min Maw Oo curled a right-footed shot into the far corner, leaving Indonesia’s goalkeeper with no chance to save.
The early concession disrupted Indonesia’s rhythm, leading to multiple misplaced passes. The team adjusted tactics, focusing on long balls and set-piece plays to create opportunities in the Myanmar penalty area. In the final minute of the first half, a corner kick from the right wing resulted in a goal after Myanmar’s goalkeeper mishandled the ball. Toni Firmansyah capitalized, leveling the score at halftime.
In the second half, Indonesia continued with a simplified attacking strategy, generating several dangerous chances from crosses and throw-ins. Headers by defender Kadek Arel struck the crossbar in the 72nd and 79th minutes, narrowly missing the target.
Substitute Jens Raven, introduced in the 69th minute, scored in the 89th minute after receiving a pass from Muhammad Ferrari and finishing into an empty net. Raven completed his brace in the sixth minute of added time with a close-range header from a corner kick, bringing the score to 3-1. After his second goal, Raven signaled that one more goal was needed for qualification, but the final whistle came shortly afterward, ending Indonesia’s campaign.
The conclusion of the match saw heightened tensions, with Ivar Jenner receiving a second yellow card and several players involved in minor confrontations that were quickly managed by security. Raven, visibly emotional, was consoled by a Myanmar player.
Raven, born in Dordrecht, Netherlands, in 2005, plays for Bali United. Standing at 1.87 meters, he is strong in aerial duels but had entered the game as a substitute despite Indonesia’s need for a high-scoring victory.
33rd SEA Games: Indonesia 3-1 Myanmar
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