Indonesia U-20 Tops Group H, Secures Asian Cup Finals Spot

RRI.CO.ID, Vientiane - The Indonesia U-20 national team sealed top spot in Group H after defeating Australia U-20 by a 2-0 scoreline. The victory in the final qualifying match confirmed Garuda Nusantara’s place in the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals.

The match took place at Lao National Stadium KM16, Laos, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, with Indonesia showing dominant play. Goals came from Theodore Evan Leeming in the 28th minute and Amar Rayhan Brkic in stoppage time.

Indonesia immediately took the initiative, building attacks through combinations from the opening whistle. The first threat arrived in the 11th minute via Fabio Azkairawan, though his pass could not be controlled by Leeming. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Leeming latched onto a precise delivery from Zahaby Gholy, rounded goalkeeper Robert James Almeida Cook, and headed in after lifting the ball past him.

Australia increased the pressure in the second half in search of an equalizer, but Indonesia’s defense held firm, keeping goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi untroubled. The decisive second goal arrived in the 90+2 minute when Brkic’s right-footed strike at the near post beat the Australian keeper to secure victory.

The three points gave Indonesia seven from three matches in Group H, with five goals scored and none conceded, ensuring they finished as group winners. That status guarantees direct qualification to the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals, joining the eight group champions who advance without relying on other results.

Indonesia’s qualification was confirmed without waiting for the outcome of Malaysia vs. Laos. The 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup will be staged in China starting March 2027, with Indonesia among the participants. The tournament also serves as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, where Asia’s top four teams will earn places.

Line-ups:

Indonesia U-20: Dafa Al Gasemi (GK), Muhamad Ibrah Ardiansyah, I Putu Panji Apriawan (C), Arkhan Kaka Putra Purwanto, Muhamad Zahaby Gholy, Theodore Evan Leeming, Welber Jardim, Fabio Azkairawan, Aleandro Alan Maulana, Muhamad Al Gazani, Amar Rayhan Brkic.

Coach: Nova Arianto.

Australia U-20: Robert James Almeida Cook (GK), Lewis Domenic Marinucci, Archie Ian Trimboli, Danilo Treffiletti, Beckham Nicolez Soares Baker, Haine Anthony Eames (C), Alaat Abdul-Rahman, Arthur Oliveira De Lima, Jasper Thomas Macintosh Chipman, Alexander Jesse Bolton, Michael Anthony Pratezina.

Coach: Trevor Brian Morgan. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)