Thailand captured a record-extending sixth AFF Suzuki Cup title after dominating Indonesia in their two-legged final that ended on New Year’s Day at Singapore’s National Stadium.
The War Elephants settled on a 2-2 draw in the final leg to complete a 6-2 win on aggregate in the culminating match of the competition which was delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tournament Most Valuable Player Chanathip Songkrasin earlier put Thailand closer to the AFF crown with two goals to set up a 4-0 thrashing of Indonesia in the opening leg last Dec. 29.
It was a dominant showing for Thailand, which won all four matches to top Group A, including a 2-1 win over the Philippines last Dec. 14.
Chanathip, who plays for Hokkaido in Japan’s J1 League, veteran Teerasil Dangda, Supachok Sarachat and the rest of the War Elephants would dethrone 2018 winner Vietnam with a 2-0 aggregate victory in the semis before handing Indonesia another bridesmaid finish.
Indonesia settled for a sixth runner-up showing in the history of the competition after snatching top spot in Group B from Vietnam before surviving host Singapore in a wild semifinal that ended with a 5-3 win on aggregate.
Ikhsan Fandi was Indonesia’s top goalscorer for the tournament with three while keeper Nadeo Argawinata also had a good showing.