SEA Games 2025: Indra Sjafri Rues Indonesia U-22 Loss Due to Philippines Throw-Ins

Indonesia U-22 team started their journey at the 2025 SEA Games on a negative note after losing 0-1 to the Philippines in a Group C match at the 700th Anniversary Stadium, Chiang Mai, on Monday night, December 8, 2025. This defeat felt even more painful for coach Indra Sjafri as the Philippines' goal originated from a throw-in.

The Philippines scored the winning goal in the 45+1 minute through a header by Banatao Otu Abang, capitalizing on a long throw-in that the Garuda Muda defense failed to anticipate. 

That situation caused the Indonesian players to lose focus at a crucial moment just before halftime.

"The result is not good for us, and honestly, we didn't play as we hoped in the first half. But it's very unfortunate that at the end of the first half, there was a throw-in by the Philippines that led to us conceding," said Indra in the post-match press conference.

The coach, who led Indonesia to gold at the 2023 SEA Games, highlighted the players' failure to execute the training scheme.

"It's very unfortunate regarding that throw-in ball. It means the players didn't follow what we trained yesterday, about which players were supposed to mark whom," he said.

Indonesia failed to score an equalizer for the rest of the match. Focus now shifts to the must-win duel against Myanmar on Friday, December 12, 2025. Victory is imperative if they want to keep their hopes alive for reaching the semifinals, although Indonesia's fate also depends on results from other groups.

However, Indra stressed that he prefers to focus fully on his own team rather than worrying about other match results.

"I will probably focus more on how we can win the match against Myanmar. Because victory is important. So, whatever the result between Vietnam and Malaysia later, we certainly cannot control that," he asserted.

For the crucial match against Myanmar, Indra gave a strong signal that Indonesia will play more aggressively.

"The positive thing we must carry forward is how our players perform going forward. Since we need a win, of course, we will prepare the players with a more attacking game plan," said Indra.

Amidst emerging criticism over Indonesia's performance in the opening match, Indra chose to remain calm.

"Outside parties are certainly free to comment. The important thing is that I still have the responsibility to ensure that in our next match, we can win, and the results of other teams playing can also be beneficial for us," he stated.

The Garuda Muda are now under pressure, but the opportunity remains, provided they bounce back, play sharper, and don't concede from simple situations like in the first match again.