Indonesia Beats Australia 2-0 to Reach 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia U-20 national team’s path to the world stage has opened wider after securing a place in the final round of the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup as Group H champions thanks to a 2-0 win over Australia on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

This perfect result sends Nova Arianto’s squad to China next March, which will be a crucial test in the race for tickets to the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The Indonesia U-20 team, coached by Nova Arianto, played very well in this match after controlling the course of the game. Indonesia’s two goals in this match were scored by Theodore Evan Leeming in the 28th minute and Amar Rayhan Brkic in the 90+2nd minute.

As reported by Antara, the Young Garuda squad created the first threat on Australia’s goal in the 11th minute through a long ball received by Fabio Azkairawan. However, his through pass into the penalty box was not controlled well by Evan Leeming.

In the 25th minute, Amar’s effort from the left produced a pull-back. But it was still blocked by an opponent, resulting in a corner. At that moment, Zahaby Gholy’s corner was headed by Muhamad Ibrah Ardiansyah, but it was still off target.

The goal Indonesia had been waiting for finally came in the 28th minute. Starting from Gholy’s cleverness, the Adhyaksa player’s pass was well received by Evan Leeming, who escaped the offside trap.

He then outwitted Australia goalkeeper Robert James Almeida Cook by chipping the ball, before then heading his own chipped ball to ensure it went into the goal. The score changed to 1-0 in Indonesia’s favor.

Five minutes before the end of the first half, Evan Leeming got another chance. This time, his action from the left ended with a hard left-footed shot, but it still sailed over. The first half ended with Indonesia leading 1-0.

In the second half, Australia increased their attacking intensity after falling one goal behind. However, Indonesia’s tight and solid defense made it difficult for Australia to create chances.

Trevor Brian Morgan’s squad earned a free kick in the 83rd minute through Beckham Nicolez Soares Baker’s shot, which was still easily saved by Indonesia goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi.

At a time when Australia was too focused on attacking, Indonesia, relying on counterattacks in the final phase, was able to score the second goal in the 90+2nd minute, scored by Amar with a right-footed shot that beat the Australia goalkeeper at the near post. Amar’s goal sealed Indonesia’s victory with a 2-0 score.

The addition of three points saw Indonesia finish the qualification round in top position with a collection of seven points from three matches, scoring five goals and not conceding any.

This situation on the standings table gives them a direct ticket to qualify for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup as one of the eight group champions, without waiting for the result of the last match in Group H between Malaysia and Laos.

The 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup will be held in China starting March next year. This tournament is the main route for teams to play in the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. ***