Late Goals Send Indonesia into ASEAN Cup Final After Dramatic Night

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia sealed its place in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final after a dramatic 9–2 victory over Bangladesh, with two stoppage‑time goals proving decisive in a tense race against Malaysia for top spot in Group A.

Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium witnessed a dazzling attacking display on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as the Garuda surged to a 6–1 halftime lead. Mitchell Baker led the charge with four first‑half goals, while Rizky Ridho and Justin Hubner also found the net.

Bangladesh briefly responded through Mohammed Shariar Emon, but Indonesia’s relentless offense left little doubt about their intent to dominate.

The result left Indonesia level with Malaysia on seven points and a goal difference of plus seven. However, Indonesia advanced to the final thanks to their superior tally of 11 goals scored in the group stage, compared with Malaysia’s nine.

Baker opened the scoring in the 11th minute from Ole Romeny’s assist and doubled the lead nine minutes later. Rizky Ridho made it 3–0 in the 32nd before Emon pulled one back for Bangladesh in the 36th.

Baker then completed his hat‑trick in the 37th and added a fourth in the 42nd from Hubner’s pass, while Hubner himself scored in stoppage time from Calvin Verdonk’s assist to give Indonesia a commanding 6–1 lead at the break.

Despite their dominance, Indonesia faced mounting pressure in the second half as Malaysia continued scoring in their simultaneous match against Singapore. The hosts created chances through Joey Pelupessy and Hubner but struggled to extend their lead until the closing minutes.

Luke Vickery struck in the 90th minute from another Romeny assist, only for Bangladesh’s Farhaan Ali Wahid to reply immediately. With Indonesia still needing two more goals to surpass Malaysia on goals scored, Kevin Diks converted in the 90+6th minute from Elkan Baggott’s pass, before Baker capped his five‑goal performance one minute later to seal the 9–2 triumph.

Romeny, who contributed four assists, described the contest as the most extraordinary of his career. “This is the craziest match I’ve ever played. Every time we scored, the bench kept shouting, ‘One more!’” he said, as quoted byy Antara.

Baker, now with nine goals in seven international appearances, echoed the sentiment. “I think this is the craziest game I’ve ever played. The supporters were incredible. They helped us get through this match,” he noted, adding that being a striker is also about creating space for teammates, not just scoring.

Indonesia will face Thailand, the Group B winner, in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Monday, October 5, as the Garuda chase their first title in the tournament. ***