Indonesia secured a crucial win against the Philippines with a score of 12-5 in the final match day of the 29th Southeast Asian Games Men’s Water Polo Tournament at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
Knowing that a large margin win over the Philippines would put them in contention for a first-ever gold medal in the tournament, the Indonesians quickly raced to a 4-0 lead at the start of the match. The Philippines’ Mark Valdez was able to get a goal through before the period ended with a score of 4-1.
However, Indonesia blanked the Philippine side in the second period, while scoring two goals to end the half at 6-1. While Mummar Alamara scored a goal to start the second half, the Indonesians then had a three-goal run before Mico Anota managed to get one in before the third period ended.
The Philippines was trailing 3-9 at the start of the final period. After a scoreless first few minutes, Reynaldo Salonga, Jr. broke the silence with his long range shot that went past the Indonesian goalkeeper. Veteran SEA Games campaigner Dale Evangelista then added another goal in the game. But Indonesia scored three more goals that ultimately sealed the win for them.
The Philippine squad has kept all its games close, winning against Thailand by two goals, losing to Malaysia by one, and losing to powerhouse Singapore by a mere two goals. But it seemed like they lost their momentum, as they had taken a two-day break before this final match against Indonesia.
Later in the morning, Singapore shell-shocked the host team Malaysia 17-4 to emerge as the champions of the tournament for the 27th straight time. Indonesia ended as the runner-up again, while Malaysia wins the bronze medal, its first podium finish in 12 years. The Philippines ended fourth, while Thailand was fifth and last.
