Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto praised the national football team for refusing to surrender until the final moments of its dramatic FIFA ASEAN Cup victory over Thailand on Monday night, describing the players' resilience as an example for the nation.

Indonesia defeated Thailand 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling final ended 2-2 following extra time at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Prabowo, who watched the match from the stadium, said the team's comeback demonstrated the importance of perseverance.

“We are happy, grateful and proud of our team's struggle. They did not give up until the very last moments,” Prabowo told reporters after the trophy presentation.

“I think this is something to be proud of and an example of a never-give-up spirit. And we can succeed,” he added.

Indonesia's resilience was tested repeatedly during the final.

The host took the lead late in regulation before 10-man Thailand equalized, then fell 2-1 behind in extra time before Elkan Baggott struck another equalizer to force the penalty shootout.

All four Indonesian penalty takers  -- Kevin Diks, Dean James, Baggott and Shayne Pattynama -- converted their attempts.

Thailand's Sarach Yooyen struck the post, while Indonesian goalkeeper Emil Audero saved Nattaphon Sayriya's attempt to complete the 4-2 shootout victory.

A Historic Title
Prabowo also described the championship as a historic achievement for Indonesian football.

“This may also be the first time in our history that we have won an international FIFA tournament,” he said.

The president's remark referred to Indonesia becoming champion of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, the region's new FIFA-backed national-team competition.

Indonesia's senior men's team had never won the AFF Championship, Southeast Asia's established regional tournament, despite reaching the final six times.

Prabowo was joined at the stadium by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Following the match, Prabowo and Infantino presented medals before jointly handing the FIFA ASEAN Cup trophy to Indonesia captain Kevin Diks.

Prabowo then joined the team's celebrations as Diks and his teammates lifted the trophy.

Add as a preferred source on Google +