Indonesian women's national team coach Akira Higashiyama admitted that he took full responsibility after his team suffered a 0-8 defeat to the Thai women's national team in the opening match of the women's football Group A of the 2025 SEA Games Thailand at Chonburi Stadium, Thursday.
Thailand's eight goals started with Nafeeza Nori's own goal, then continued by Aupachai Pattaranan (21'), Silawan Intamee (27'), Saowalak Pengngam (44'), Jiraporn Mongkoldee (48', 51', 59'), and Panittha Jeeratanapavibul (55').
"A defeat is a defeat, and that's my responsibility," the Japanese coach said after the match, as quoted from the official Kita Garuda website on Friday.
Commenting on Thailand's performance, Akira acknowledged the world's 53rd-ranked team's exceptional strength. He said his team had tried their best, but "this is the reality."
"Thailand is a very strong team. We tried our best, but we still lost. This is the reality, and we have to accept this result," said Akira.
