MANILA, Philippines–Indonesia delivered the most stunning result of the Southeast Asian Games football competition so far as it blanked defending champion Thailand, 2-0, last Tuesday in Group B at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Goals from Egy Maulana and Osvaldo Haay ensured the 2017 bronze medalists got off to a dream start against the seven-time SEA Games champions coached by Japanese Akira Nishino.
Maulana scored off a scramble inside the box after the Thais fail to clear a corner kick in the 4th minute. Haay finished off a quick counter four minutes from time after an excellent cross from Saddil Ramdani.
Vietnam and Indonesia both have three points after the first two days of action in Group B, but the Vietnamese are on top owing to a superior goal difference.
In the evening match, Laos and Singapore battled to a goalless draw, which meant both teams share third spot in the six-team group.
The other group only features five teams with Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Cambodia all with a point each.
The Philippines takes on Myanmar in the first match on Wednesday, while Timor Leste makes its tournament debut against Cambodia at 8 p.m.