Aceh – Indonesia, Emil Audero became the decisive figure in the Indonesian national team’s 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup victory after overcoming Thailand in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The Como 1907 goalkeeper denied the fourth Thai penalty taker, Nattapong Sayriya, during the match at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Monday night (10/5/2026).
In addition to Nattapong, veteran Thai midfielder Sarach Yooyen also failed to convert his spot-kick, with his attempt striking the left post of Indonesia’s goal.
Meanwhile, all four designated penalty takers for Indonesia successfully found the back of the net. Coincidentally, all four takers were defenders: Dean James, Elkan Baggott, Shayne Pattynama, and Kevin Diks.
The match went to a penalty shootout after remaining tied 2-2 following 120 minutes of play. Thailand was reduced to 10 men in the 81st minute when defender Nicholas Mickelson received a second yellow card for a foul on forward Ole Romeny.
Baggott had earlier emerged as the savior for the Garuda squad by scoring a goal in the 115th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Rizky Ridho following a link-up play with Egy Maulana Vikri.
That goal canceled out Thailand’s lead, which had been secured just minutes earlier through a strike by Peeradol Chamramee in the 111th minute of the second half of extra time.
The War Elephants’ goal originated from a swift counterattack, taking advantage of a lapse in the Indonesian defense.
The goal also served as a punishment for Indonesia’s failure to convert promising chances during the closing stages of regulation time.
Earlier, Indonesia opened the scoring in the 84th minute via a free-kick taken by James. The strike from the Go Ahead Eagles player deflected off Thai player Iklas Sanron before finding the net.
Despite being down to 10 men, Thailand managed to exploit a gap in the Garuda defense, with Iklas ultimately scoring the equalizer for Thailand.
He received a crisp pass inside the Indonesian penalty box from fellow substitute Seksan Ratree. Left unmarked, Iklas unleashed a shot that beat Audero.
Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir hailed Indonesia’s victory in the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup as a historical milestone.
“Today, the Red and White flies highest. The Indonesian National Team has proven that when Indonesia stands united, nothing is impossible,” Erick wrote in a post on his personal Instagram account.
Erick also expressed his gratitude to the players, coaches, officials, and the entire Indonesian public who never stopped believing.
“Indonesia is proud,” Erick added.
The final of the inaugural 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup between Indonesia and Thailand had to be settled by a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. In the shootout, Indonesia emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline.
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