Timnas Indonesia secured a dramatic 9-2 victory over Bangladesh at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Thursday, October 1, 2026, confirming their place in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final. The result pushed Indonesia to the top of Group A on seven points, edging out Malaysia after a tense final matchday.
Late Drama and the Goal That Secured the Final
Head coach John Herdman revealed a tense calculation in the game’s dying moments as the coaching staff tracked simultaneous scores from Malaysia’s 6-0 win against Singapore. With both teams tied on seven points, Herdman informed his players that an extra goal was mandatory to secure the top spot in Group A, as reported by VIVA. Defender Calvin Verdonk initially suspected the instruction was a psychological motivational trick before Emil Audero confirmed the mathematical reality.
Coach benar. Kita butuh satu gol lagi,
Audero told his teammate around the 93rd minute, according to Herdman’s post-match comments.
The imperative led Indonesia to push forward, culminating in a fifth goal from 19-year-old forward Mitchell Baker. Lima gol. Lima gol di usia 19 tahun. Maksud saya, luar biasa!
Herdman said of the teenager’s performance.
Indonesia Dominates Bangladesh with Six First-Half Goals
Tribratanews.polri.go.id reported that Indonesia asserted control from the opening whistle, overwhelming the Bangladesh defense through offensive pressure. Mitchell Baker opened the scoring in the 11th minute and added three more before halftime, completing a first-half four-goal haul. Rizky Ridho scored in the 32nd minute, while Shahriar Emon briefly pulled a goal back for Bangladesh in the 36th minute before Baker struck again. Justin Hubner added another in the 45+1 minute, sending Indonesia into halftime with a commanding 6-1 lead.
The second-half onslaught eventually produced the vital late strikes needed to clear Malaysia. Malaysia had temporarily moved to the brink of the final after defeating Singapore 6-0 at the Stadion Si Jalak Harupat in Bandung, leaving midfielder Paulo Josue and his teammates stunned by Indonesia’s late surge in Jakarta, CNN Indonesia reported.
Italian Media Links Victory to PSSI Structural Transformation
The milestone achievement drew international attention, notably from the Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport, which highlighted Indonesia’s progression to the final as evidence of a broader structural transformation under PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir, according to Kompas. The publication noted the emotional weight of the fixture, played exactly four years after the Kanjuruhan tragedy.
/data/photo/2026/10/02/6abec8fb531bb.jpeg "Photo: Kompas")
Before kickoff, players and supporters observed a one-minute silence at SUGBK to honor the 135 victims of the disaster. Thohir emphasized to the Italian outlet that the team’s relentless fight until the 97th minute reflected a renewed sense of professionalism and resilience within national football.
FIFA ASEAN Cup Final Schedule
Timnas Indonesia will face Thailand in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final at the Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta on Monday, October 5, 2026.
