Indonesia Secures Historic Spot in AFC Futsal Asian Cup Final

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian national futsal team has booked its place in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 final after a 5-3 victory over Japan. The Garuda squad clinched the dramatic win through a hard-fought battle that stretched into extra time.

The semifinal clash took place at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The hosts came out attacking from the opening whistle, though several early chances were denied by Japan’s defense.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 12th minute when Samuel Eko found the net, giving Indonesia a 1-0 lead. Japan pressed for an equalizer, but goalkeeper Ahmad Habibie’s solid performance kept the scoreline intact until halftime.

Indonesia intensified their attacks in the second half and doubled their advantage when Ardiansyah Nur’s shot deflected off a Japanese player and went in. Japan responded quickly. Takehiro Motoishi pulled one back in the 31st minute, and just four minutes later, Kazuya Shimizu leveled the score at 2-2.

The heated atmosphere grew as Indonesia regained the lead in the 38th minute through Firman Adriansyah, making it 3-2. But with just a minute left in regulation, Japan was awarded a penalty for handball. Shimizu converted flawlessly, forcing the match into extra time at 3-3.

In the first period of extra time, Reza Gunawan restored Indonesia’s lead, sparking loud cheers from the home crowd. The decisive moment came three minutes before the final whistle, when Dewa Rizki Amanda sealed the victory with Indonesia’s fifth goal.

This landmark result sends Indonesia to the final for the first time in the history of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup. They will face Iran, who earlier defeated Iraq 4-2. The championship match is set for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. local time at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)