Baker's Hat-Trick Gives Indonesia Flying Start at AFF Cup 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Mitchell Lee Baker marked his debut in spectacular fashion, scoring a hat-trick to propel Indonesia to a resounding 5-1 victory over Cambodia in their opening Group A match of the 2026 AFF Cup at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor, West Java, on Monday.

The towering striker’s performance set the tone for a dominant display by John Herdman’s side. Indonesia wasted no time asserting control. Baker opened the scoring in the sixth minute before doubling the lead just six minutes later, Antara reported.

Sandy Walsh added a third in the 23rd minute, ensuring the Garuda squad carried a comfortable 3-0 advantage into halftime.

Cambodia briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when Sokmeng Chea converted a corner in the 47th minute, beating goalkeeper Nadeo Arga Winata with a powerful strike.

Yet Indonesia quickly regained composure, with Baker completing his hat-trick in the 53rd minute through a towering header from Thom Haye’s cross.

Coach Herdman then rotated his squad, introducing young forward Jens Raven, who later capitalized on a defensive lapse to score his first senior international goal in the 86th minute. The strike sealed Indonesia’s emphatic 5-1 win, underscoring their intent to challenge for regional supremacy.

Despite Cambodia’s spirited resistance after the break, Indonesia’s composure and attacking depth proved decisive. The result provides a strong platform for the Garuda as they prepare to face Timor Leste in Chonburi, Thailand, on Friday, July 31.

Lineups:

• Indonesia: Nadeo Arga Winata (GK), Rizky Ridho Ramadhani (C), Sandy Walsh, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Shayne Pattynama, Ivar Jenner, Thom Haye, Marc Klok, Beckham Putra Nugraha, Eliano Reijnders, Mitchell Lee Baker.
  Coach: John Herdman.
• Cambodia: Kimhuy (GK, C), Mirzaev Alisher, Hikaru Mizuno, Yudai Ogawa, Samuel Bong, Chanthea Sieng, Souhana Sos, Devit Yem, Ty Sa, Sovann Ouk, Sokmeng Chea.
  Coach: Koji Gyotoku. ***