Surabaya. Dutch-born striker Jens Raven scored the decisive goal in the final of the ASEAN Football Federation’s U19 tournament in Surabaya on Monday, exactly five weeks after pledging allegiance to the Indonesian flag.

His goal in the 17th minute at Bung Tomo Stadium secured a 1-0 victory over five-time champion Thailand, cementing his status as a hero for the young Garuda squad.

An emotional Raven burst into tears during a local television interview shortly after the match.

“I scored the only goal today and we are champions. It’s so emotional for me, especially in my first official tournament with Indonesia,” Raven said.

Raven's decisive moment came when he positioned himself perfectly to receive a low header from Kadek Arel off a corner kick. With a short-range shot, he sent the stadium into wild celebration.

Draped in the red-and-white flag, Raven celebrated the victory with his teammates.

Raven has scored four goals in the tournament, just one shy of top scorer Jake Najdovski of Australia.

His winning goal against Thailand ended Indonesia’s 11-year wait for a second tournament trophy.

Raven, 18, plays as a forward for the U-21 squad of FC Dordrecht in the Netherlands. He was granted Indonesian citizenship in a ceremony on June 24, with approval from the House of Representatives.

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