Prabowo hails Indonesia’s historic ASEAN Cup win

JAKARTA, thekabarnews.com—President Prabowo Subianto watched Indonesia make football history by defeating Thailand on penalties to win the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Monday night, Oct. 5.

Indonesia won the shootout 4-2 after the final score was 2-2 following 120 minutes. The result gave the Garuda the first title in the FIFA-backed regional tournament and ended a 10-year, eight-match winless run against Thailand.

Prabowo praised the national team for continuing to fight after falling behind during extra time.

“We are happy, we are grateful, and we are proud of our team’s struggle. They did not give up until the final seconds,” Prabowo told reporters after the match, according to the Presidential Secretariat’s official.

“I think this is something to be proud of. It sets an example of a never-surrender spirit and shows that we can succeed,” he added.

The match remained goalless until Thailand defender Nicholas Mickelson received his second yellow card in the 81st minute. Indonesia quickly used its numerical advantage when Dean James’ free kick deflected off Thai substitute Iklas Sanron and entered the net in the 84th minute.

Iklas responded three minutes later with a volley from Seksan Ratree’s cross, sending the contest into extra time.

Despite playing with 10 men, Thailand took a 2-1 lead through Peeradol Chamrasamee in the 111th minute. Elkan Baggott equalized five minutes later when his shot struck the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line.

Kevin Diks, Dean James, Baggott and Shayne Pattynama converted Indonesia’s four penalties. Thailand captain Sarach Yooyen struck the post before goalkeeper Emil Audero saved Nattapong Sayriya’s attempt to seal the title.

The ASEAN Football Federation also confirmed the 4-2 shootout victory, while Malaysia finished third after beating Vietnam 1-0.

After the final, Prabowo joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the pitch. They presented medals to the officials and both teams before handing the trophy to Indonesia’s captain, Kevin Diks.

Prabowo then briefly joined the players as they lifted the cup. The president also spoke with several Indonesian players during the ceremony.

Asked whether the squad would receive a bonus, Prabowo said PSSI chairman Erick Thohir would arrange it.

Indonesia’s comeback showed the resilience highlighted by the president. More importantly, the victory placed the Garuda in the record books as the first champions of the FIFA ASEAN Cup.