Ten-Man Indonesia Hold Malaysia to Keep ASEAN Cup Final Hopes Alive

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia remained in contention for a place in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final after battling to a goalless draw against Malaysia despite playing much of the match with 10 men at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

The result left Group A finely balanced heading into the final round of matches. Malaysia remained top of the standings with four points, ahead of Indonesia on goal difference despite both teams collecting the same number of points from two matches, Antara reported.

Goalkeeper Maarten Paes played a crucial role in securing the point, producing a composed performance as Indonesia defended resolutely after Thom Haye was sent off in the first half.

Indonesia thought it had made a dream start when Justin Hubner found the net in the fourth minute. However, the goal was ruled out after a foul was detected in the build-up.

Malaysia gradually gained control of possession and looked dangerous through the flanks. In the 16th minute, Faisal Halim delivered a pass into the penalty area for Bergson, but the forward failed to connect with the ball.

Paes was first called into action in the 29th minute when Arif Aiman unleashed a long-range effort, which the Indonesian goalkeeper handled comfortably.

The match shifted dramatically in the 35th minute when Haye was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Arif Aiman. Following a VAR review by referee Ko Hyungjin, the booking was upgraded to a straight red card, leaving Indonesia with 10 men from the 37th minute.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Indonesia nearly took the lead before halftime. A shot from Dean James was saved by Malaysia goalkeeper Syihan Nazmi, while Elkan Baggott came even closer when his header struck the post.

In the second half, Indonesia adopted a more defensive approach as Malaysia tried to capitalize on the extra player. However, clear chances remained limited.

Indonesia still posed a threat from set pieces. In the 52nd minute, Kevin Diks tried his luck directly from a free kick, but his effort drifted wide.

Seeking greater attacking impetus, Malaysia introduced Paulo Josue in the 54th minute. The midfielder nearly broke the deadlock 10 minutes later, but his shot sailed over the bar.

Malaysia increased the pressure as the match progressed. Arif Aiman threatened again in the 71st minute, while Fergus Tierney squandered another opportunity moments later.

Indonesia struggled to generate attacks after the dismissal, with their only notable effort late in the game coming from Mitchell Baker, whose shot failed to test the Malaysian goalkeeper.

The visitors came closest to scoring in stoppage time when Syahmi Safari found space inside the Indonesian penalty area, but Paes once again stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.

The draw leaves Group A wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures. Indonesia sit second with four points, level with Malaysia but behind on goal difference. Singapore are third with three points after a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh, while Bangladesh remain bottom without a point.

Indonesia will face Bangladesh in their final group match, while Malaysia take on Singapore.

A victory over Bangladesh would keep Indonesia's hopes of reaching the final alive. If both Indonesia and Malaysia win their respective matches, the two teams will finish level on seven points, with the group winner determined by the tournament’s tiebreak criteria.

If Malaysia draws with Singapore, an Indonesian win over Bangladesh would move the Garuda to the top of the group. Likewise, Indonesia would finish first if Singapore defeat Malaysia and the Garuda secure three points in their final match. ***