Indonesia’s SEA Games Run Ends Despite 3-1 Victory Over Myanmar
Indonesia’s U-22 national team secured a 3-1 win against Myanmar in their final Group C match of the 2025 SEA Games on Friday, December 12th, but the result wasn’t enough to propel them into the knockout stage. The hard-fought victory at the 700th Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai saw a late surge from the Indonesian side, spearheaded by a brace from Jens Raven, but ultimately fell short of the necessary goal difference required for advancement.
A Three-Goal Margin Proves Elusive
Indonesia entered the match needing a win by at least three goals to have a chance at qualifying. They initially stumbled, falling behind in the 28th minute when Min Maw Oo capitalized on a counterattack, curving a shot past Indonesian goalkeeper Daffa Fasya. However, the Indonesian side demonstrated resilience, leveling the score just before halftime through a goal from Toni Firmansyah in the 45th minute.
The second half saw continued pressure from Indonesia, with several near misses before Jens Raven finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. Raven then sealed the victory with a second goal in stoppage time (90+5 minute), completing the comeback. Despite the late flurry of goals, Indonesia’s fate was already sealed.
Goal Difference Decides Fate
Despite finishing second in Group C with three points, Indonesia was eliminated due to goal difference. They were surpassed by Malaysia, who finished as runners-up in Group B with a superior goal difference of 4-3 compared to Indonesia’s 3-2. This heartbreaking outcome means Garuda Muda will not be able to defend their gold medal won at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Indonesia began the match aggressively, with Hannan having an early opportunity in the fourth minute, but his shot went off target. Myanmar responded with a chance of their own shortly after, but Moe Swe’s attempt failed to trouble the Indonesian goal. The first 15 minutes saw Indonesia primarily employing long balls, while Myanmar focused on a more measured defensive approach.
Myanmar’s opening goal in the 28th minute was a well-executed counterattack, with Win Thein Zaw providing the assist for Min Maw Oo. Indonesia continued to push for an equalizer, with Ziljstra’s header in the 43rd minute being blocked by Kaung Htet Paing. The equalizer finally arrived in the 45th minute, with Toni Firmansyah capitalizing on a rebound after a corner kick.
The second half saw continued Indonesian pressure, with Kadek Arel coming close in the 53rd minute. Myanmar had a brief opportunity on the counter, but Zaw Win Thein’s shot went over the bar. A potential own goal by Myanmar’s Phyo Pyae Sone in the 72nd minute narrowly missed, hitting the goalpost. Kadek Arel also hit the crossbar in the 79th minute.
The late goals from Jens Raven ultimately proved insufficient to overcome the goal difference deficit. Goalkeeper Daffa Fasya made crucial saves late in the match to prevent Myanmar from leveling the score.
Lineups
Indonesian U-22 National Team: Daffa Fasya, Robi Darwis, Kakang Rudianto (Muhammad Ferrari 82′), Kadek Arel, Frengky Missa (Rahmat Arjuuna 82′), Toni Firmansyah (Jens Raven 69′), Ivar Jenner, Rayhan Hannan (Zanadin Fariz 31′), Dony Tri Pamungkas, Rafael Struick (Hokky Caraka 46′), Mauro Ziljstra.
Myanmar U-22 National Team: Hein Htet Soe, Myat Phone Khat, Kaung Htet Paing, Phyo Pyae Sone, Zaw Win Thein, Moe Swe, Ye Yint Phyo, [Player Name Redacted].
Despite the victory, Indonesia’s 2025 SEA Games campaign concludes with a bittersweet taste, highlighting the fine margins that often determine success in international football.
