The final of the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup has produced a fascinating matchup as Indonesia – five times a losing finalist – clash with a Thailand side looking to win a record sixth title.

Indonesia are aiming to end 25 years of hurt and finally erase those memories of consistently falling at the final stage with coach Shin Tae-young knowing what needs to be done.

“Of course I want to be the champion but lifting the trophy doesn’t happen just because you want it to, being champion comes your way when you do your best in every match.

“As a coach I’ve won more than 20 titles and from that experience I want to instil a strong mentality in the players and try to become the champion. That mentality is something that I constantly tell the players about.”

They were thoughts echoed by forward Egy Maulana who knows just how much expectation there is for Indonesia to deliver a first title for their hugely passionate fanbase back home.

“We know that we have failed five times now but we don’t feel pressure, rather we just know what a big chance we have and that being the champion won’t come from talking but only from hard work.

“We need to believe in ourselves and some might think that Thailand might be stronger than us but I’m not afraid, the shape of the ball is round and if we believe we’re going home with the trophy then there’s nothing that’s impossible.”

Indonesia will be missing their left-back, Pratama Arhan, through suspension but Thailand too have a couple of key absences with their left-back, Theerathon Bunmathan, also suspended whilst goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom suffered a tournament-ending injury in the semi-final.

Coach Alexandre Polking said that he’s confident, though, that the squad has enough quality to cover for those absences.

“Unfortunately Chatchai has done his ACL and it is such sad news for us. Theerathon is one of our most experienced players and he is having a fantastic tournament but we have other players of good quality who have been waiting for their chance.

“We are preparing for a 180-minute clash and we have to prepare for all different situations. Of course we know about Indonesia’s record but we also want to win another title for Thailand and that’s what we are preparing for.”