Indonesian youngsters Stefano Lilipaly and Evan Dimas are upbeat about their side's chances against defending champions Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2016 final.
The War Elephants were ruthless in their semi-final outings against Myanmar as they overpowered the White Angels by a 6-0 margin over the two legs, which included a 2-0 win away from home in the first leg. Keitsuk Senamuang's side have now scored 12 goals and have conceded only two in the ongoing tournament so far.
Six different players have got their names on the scoresheet for Thailand and star striker Teerasil Dangda has been unstoppable in the tournament with five goals, which included a hat-trick against Indonesia in their side's 4-2 win in the opening game of the tournament.
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On 14 December, in the first leg of the final in Bogor, the two teams that featured in the tournament opener will fight for the title.
While favourites Thailand will eye a record fifth title, Indonesia, who outclassed Group B heavyweights Vietnam 4-3 in their semi-final, beleive that they can stop their mighty opponents. Notably, the Garudas have had an inspiring run in international football since the Fifa ban on them was lifted earlier this year.
"[The Thai players] will surely do their best to defend their title, but we hope we can play without much burden, so that we can beat them," Lilipaly, who has scored two goals so far, told Tempo.co, as quoted by The Jakarta Post.
Playing the first leg at home will boost Indonesia, who are also the only team to have scored against the Thai outfit. Notably, the Asean giants were tested in their earlier meeting before Teerasil came up with two late goals to clinch three points.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Dimas believes Thailand's defense will give in if they can put pressure from the wings. "We will exploit [that weakness] to beat Thailand," the young midfielder added.
