Vietnam’s national futsal team missed key chances late in the game and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Indonesia in the final of the 2024 AFF Futsal Championship, held at Terminal 21 Korat Stadium in Thailand.
Entering the match, Vietnam faced a disadvantage in terms of physical condition. The team had played five matches in the tournament compared to Indonesia’s four, including two intense back-to-back games: a 3-2 victory over Thailand in the final group stage match, followed by a comeback 5-4 win over Australia after extra time in the semifinals.
Ahead of the final, coach Diego Giustozzi cautioned his players about the threat posed by Indonesia’s pivo (striker), Evan Soumilena, known for his physicality and skill. Soumilena’s presence was felt from the start, as he frequently shielded the ball and set up dangerous chances with his back to goal.
In the 4th minute, Soumilena’s clever ball control almost allowed Indonesia to score, but Vietnamese defender Nhan Gia Hung managed a crucial tackle. Three minutes later, Soumilena set up another close opportunity, which was narrowly missed.
Indonesia also utilized an aggressive tactic with goalkeeper Ahmad Habiebie pushing forward to shoot from distance. In the 8th minute, Habiebie fired a shot from midfield, forcing Vietnamese keeper Pham Van Tu into a diving save. Shortly afterward, Rio Pangestu’s pass to Samuel Eko allowed Guntur Ariwibowo to set up Muhammad Syaifullah for an easy tap-in, putting Indonesia ahead 1-0.
Vietnam struggled to break through Indonesia’s tight marking and intense defense. Vietnam’s Tran Thai Huy managed a strong near-post shot late in the first half, but Habiebie saved it comfortably.
In the second half, Indonesia continued to press, with Soumilena nearly scoring after faking a shot to bypass two Vietnamese defenders, only for Van Tu to block the attempt with his foot.
As the game wore on, Vietnam intensified their attacks and created more clear chances. In the 27th minute, Thinh Phat’s shot narrowly missed the post. Just a minute later, Dinh Cong Vien’s setup allowed Ngoc Anh a promising shot, but Habiebie saved it once again. In the 33rd minute, Ngoc Anh created space with a slick move, but his left-footed shot lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.
Vietnam’s best chances came in the final five minutes. In the 35th minute, Chau Doan Phat delivered a nutmeg pass, but Thinh Phat’s attempt was blocked by Habiebie at the far post. Employing the power-play strategy in the 37th minute, Vietnam managed two close-range shots from Nhan Gia Hung and Manh Dung, but both were denied by Indonesia’s goalkeeper.
The power-play tactic left Vietnam’s goal open, and Indonesia capitalized in the 39th minute when Muhammad Xavier scored from his own half, sealing the 2-0 victory.
With this win, Indonesia claimed their second AFF Futsal Championship title, having previously won in 2010. Vietnam, meanwhile, finished as runners-up for the third time, adding to their second-place finishes in 2009 and 2012. The result also evened the AFF Futsal Championship head-to-head record between Vietnam and Indonesia, with five wins apiece and one draw.
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