RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Tactical discipline and strict adherence to the coach’s instructions powered the Indonesian futsal team to a dominant 5-0 victory over South Korea in their opening match of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

“We didn’t do anything special. We just followed the coach’s game plan, and thankfully everything worked well. This win belongs to the whole team,” the team captain Mochammad Iqbal Iskandar said in the mixed zone after the match, as quoted by Antara.

Iqbal scored twice, once early in the first half and again at the start of the second, setting the tone for Indonesia’s dominant performance. His opening goal paved the way for Rio Pangestu’s strike, while his second made it 3-0 before Israr Megantara and Reza Gunawan completed the five-goal rout.

Despite being named man of the match, Iqbal credited the collective effort rather than individual brilliance. “For me, the award is just a bonus. Without the team’s collective work, I wouldn’t have achieved it,” he said.

The convincing win put Indonesia at the top of Group A with three points, ahead of Iraq on goal difference after Iraq defeated Kyrgyzstan 4-2 in the other group match.

Indonesia will face Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, January 29, with Iqbal stressing that the team remains hungry for more points to strengthen their chances of reaching the quarter-finals. 

“As players, we’re never satisfied. But evaluations are up to the coach, not me,” said Iqbal, who also captained Indonesia to gold at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

Separately, Syauqi Saud expressed hope of getting on the scoresheet in the next match after missing out in the opener. “I gave everything I could in this game. Maybe it just wasn’t my time to score. What matters most is the team,” he concluded. ***