The defending champs Indonesia was defeated 0-2 to hosts Thailand who is going to progress to the final of AFF U15 Championship 2019 at the Chonburi Campus Stadium on Wednesday.
Thailand lost to Indonesia last year and now seeks a chance to revenge by knocking out Bima Sakti’s boys in the last four encounters.
The first half remained goaless in Chonburi yet Niphitphon Wongpanya put the home side ahead in the second half as he struck in the 50th minute.
The youngster scored again 20 minutes after to seal the 2-0 victory for the 2018 runners-up as they progress to face Malaysia in the final to be played on August 9.
Thailand, coached by Garcia Valero, had progressed to the semifinals of the championship after finishing second in Group B behind Malaysia. The two finalists met on the final matchday in the group stages and played out a 1-1 draw when Malaysia rescued a point with a second-half injury time equaliser from Thai player Sittha Boonlha who scored into his own goal.
Malaysia, meanwhile, defeated Vietnam 3-1 in the other semifinal to reach the grand finale.
The Malays have only won the tournament once — back in 2013 — while Thailand are the most successful side in the competition winning it three times — 2007, 2011 and 2015 and also finishing runners-up in 2005, 2017 and 2018.
(Photo courtesy: Football Association of Thailand)
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