Heartbreaking! Indonesia Fails to Reach SEA Games 2025 Football Semifinals Despite Defeating Myanmar U-23.

The Indonesian U-22 national team concluded their Group C campaign with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Myanmar at the 700th Anniversary Stadium, Chiang Mai, on Friday, December 12, 2025. Despite heroically securing three points, this result proved insufficient for Garuda Muda to advance to the semifinals of the 2025 SEA Games.

Indonesia needed to win by a three-goal margin to maintain hopes of qualifying as the best runner-up. Myanmar's first-half goal shattered that scenario, even though Indonesia managed to turn the game around in the final minutes.

First Half: High Pressure, Myanmar's Surprise Goal

Indonesia relied on long balls during the opening 15 minutes, while Myanmar played disciplined football while waiting for counter-attacking opportunities. In the 22nd minute, Indonesia had a chance, but Kadek Arel's header sailed over.

In the 28th minute, Myanmar stunned Indonesia with a swift counter-attack. Win Thein Zaw's pass was converted by Min Maw Oo with a curling shot into the top right corner of Daffa Fasya's goal. Myanmar led 1-0.

Indonesia tried to respond, but Ziljstra's 43rd-minute header was blocked by Kaung Htet Paing. Garuda Muda equalized after capitalizing on goalkeeper Hein Htet Soe's mistake when controlling the ball. Toni Firmansyah calmly tapped in, ending the first half 1-1.

Second Half: Late-Blooming Hope

Indonesia maintained pressure after halftime. Kadek Arel had a chance in the 53rd minute but fired over. Myanmar nearly scored a second in the 55th through Zaw Win Thein, though his shot also missed.

In the 79th minute, Hein Htet Soe pushed Kadek Arel's header onto the crossbar.

Indonesia's second goal finally came in the 89th minute. Zanadin Fariz's cross into the box was flicked by Muhammad Ferarri to Jens Raven. The substitute Bali United striker finished clinically for a 2-1 lead.

Myanmar attempted to rally, but two saves from Daffa Fasya thwarted their efforts. Indonesia scored a third in the 95th minute through Raven's header from a corner, again beating Hein.

Indonesia needed one more goal for semifinal qualification, but couldn't achieve it in the remaining minute. The match ended 3-1.

Eliminated by Goal Productivity

With this win, Indonesia finished second in Group C with three points and a 3-2 goal difference. Indra Sjafri's squad lost the best runner-up spot to Malaysia, whose goal difference stood at 4-3.

Both teams had +1 goal difference, but Indonesia's goal productivity (3) fell short of Malaysia's (4).

This calculation eliminated Indonesia from semifinal contention and ended their defense of the gold medal won at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.

This bitter outcome serves as a reminder that in short tournaments like the SEA Games, every goal can determine fate—even in victory.

Lineups:

Indonesia U-22: Daffa Fasya, Robi Darwis, Kakang Rudianto (Muhammad Ferarri 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: Hein Htet Soe, Myat Phone Khant, Kaung Htet Paing, Phyo Pyae Sone, Zaw Win Thein, Moe Swe, Ye Yint Phyo, Thurain Tun, Oakkar Naing, Min Maw Oo, Than Toe Aung.