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Timnas Indonesia secured a dramatic 9-2 victory over Bangladesh at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, earning widespread recognition from Italian sports outlet Corriere dello Sport for their advancement to the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The match, played on Thursday, October 1, 2026, required a fierce late-game surge to overcome a tight goal-difference battle against Malaysia in Group A, setting up a championship clash against Thailand on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Corriere dello Sport Highlights Indonesian Football Transformation
The Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport published detailed coverage focusing on the rapid development of Indonesian football under the leadership of PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, as reported in official PSSI statements released on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Thohir, who assumed leadership in February 2023 roughly four months after the Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster, has prioritized structural governance, professionalization, youth development, and the integration of diaspora players. In an interview with the Italian outlet, Thohir characterized Indonesia as a “sleeping giant” possessing immense potential that requires transparent, professional management to unlock fully on the international stage.
Kanjuruhan Tragedy Serves as a Solemn Turning Point
Before kickoff against Bangladesh on October 1, players, officials, and spectators inside the Gelora Bung Karno stadium observed a minute of silence to mark the four-year anniversary of the Kanjuruhan Stadium tragedy, which claimed 135 lives on October 1, 2022. Thohir emphasized to Corriere dello Sport that the milestone gave the team’s run to the final profound emotional significance, noting that the squad’s persistence until the 97th minute reflected a broader cultural shift within the sport. “Four years ago, we lost 135 of our brothers and sisters in Kanjuruhan,” Thohir stated.
Indonesia Secures Group A Top Spot via Goal Differential
While the final 9-2 scoreline suggests a comfortable evening in Jakarta, Suara.com noted that Indonesia’s path to the tournament’s climax was marked by severe tension regarding goal differential against Malaysia. Both sides entered the final round of group fixtures locked in a fierce mathematical race, with Malaysia concurrently pressing for goals against Singapore. Indonesia required an offensive explosion, securing crucial goals deep into injury time on the sixth and seventh minutes to seal the top spot in Group A with a superior overall offensive tally of 11 goals compared to Malaysia’s nine.
Thailand Awaits in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Final
With the group phase concluded under intense pressure, Indonesia turns its attention to the championship match. The national team is scheduled to face Thailand in the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 on Monday, October 5, 2026, returning to the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta to contest the regional title.
