RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia booked their place in the semifinals of the 2026 ASEAN U19 Championship after a 2-1 victory over Vietnam in the decisive Group A clash at North Sumatra Main Stadium in Deli Serdang on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

The result secured top spot in the group for Indonesia with a maximum nine points from three matches, while Vietnam finished second on six points and must wait to see if they advance as one of the best runners-up.

Needing a win to guarantee first place and a semifinal berth, Indonesia started aggressively and controlled possession with quick, short-passing combinations, Antara reported.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Reno Salampessy collected a pass from Arkhan Kaka, carried the ball into the penalty area under pressure from Vietnam defender Tan Dung Le, and finished clinically to make it 1-0.

Vietnam responded by increasing the intensity of their play and created several dangerous opportunities, but Indonesia's defense held firm to preserve the lead until halftime.

The visitors continued to press after the break and nearly equalized in the 51st minute, only for goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi to deny Trong Dhui Khang Hoang.

Indonesia came close to doubling their advantage five minutes later when Irfan failed to convert another through ball from Arkhan Kaka. Vietnam eventually found the equalizer in the 73rd minute through captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh, whose header from a corner kick made it 1-1.

With the match heading toward a draw, substitute Evandra Florasta converted a penalty in stoppage time after Theodore Evan Leeming was fouled in the box by defender Van Khanh Nguyen.

Evandra's strike in the 90+1st minute proved decisive, giving Indonesia a 2-1 victory and sending the home crowd into celebration.

After the match, Indonesia U19 coach Nova Arianto praised his team's determination and mental strength. “I am grateful that all the players performed at their maximum level. Mentally, the players were very strong. When the score was level, they kept fighting hard, and thankfully we managed to win,” Nova said.

Nova added that his coaching staff would immediately begin preparations for the semifinals while monitoring the condition of goalscorer Reno Salampessy, who suffered an injury during the match.

“We will see tomorrow who our opponent will be in the semifinals. Regarding Reno, I hope the injury is not serious and that he can play in the semifinals,” he concluded. ***