Mitchell Baker scored five goals to lead Timnas Indonesia to a 9-2 victory over Bangladesh at Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno on October 1, 2026, securing a spot in the FIFA ASEAN Cup final. The forward’s performance sparked discussions across international football communities, with online fan reactions in Hong Kong describing his rise as a major missed opportunity for the territory’s football program.
Five-Goal Performance Secures Final Berth
Baker found the back of the net in the 11th, 20th, 37th, 42nd, and 90th+7 minutes during the commanding group-stage win in Jakarta. The haul propelled the national team past Bangladesh and directly into the tournament’s championship match. The breakout display by the 19-In-ch-old forward drew immediate attention from regional media and international observers tracking the Garuda’s campaign under head coach John Herdman.
Hong Kong Fans Regret Baker's International Allegiance
Born in Melbourne on December 11, 2006, Baker moved to Hong Kong with his family before his first birthday. He spent roughly a decade in the territory, developing his game within the youth setups of Kitchee FC and the Hong Kong Football Club before eventually returning to Australia and later moving to the United States. Following his five-goal performance in Jakarta, local commentary on social media reflected sharp regret over his international allegiance. The X account @HK Kickers posted that his departure represents the biggest loss for Hong Kong in 150 years and people don’t even realize it.
Baker Chooses Indonesia While Brother Plays for Hong Kong
Baker’s familial connection to Hong Kong remains active through his younger brother, Joshua Lee Baker. Joshua currently plays for Hong Kong’s under-20 side and earned a place on the preliminary 48-player roster for the senior Hong Kong national team during the September and October 2026 FIFA windows. Mitchell chose a different international path, completing his naturalization process in July 2026 to represent Indonesia through his mother’s ancestral roots.
Next Match Context
Timnas Indonesia advanced to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final following the 9-2 victory over Bangladesh, setting up a clash against Thailand as the squad looks to secure the regional title under John Herdman.
