FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Pelupessy Ready to Face Malaysia, Herdman Instructs Players to Maintain Solid Defensive Organisation.

Jakarta - Indonesia national team midfielder Joey Pelupessy has stated he is enthusiastic about facing Malaysia's pressure during the Group A match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Monday (29/9/2026).

Both Indonesia and Malaysia enter this fixture coming off victories from their opening matches. Indonesia defeated Singapore 2-0, while Malaysia beat Bangladesh 3-0.

Pelupessy assessed that pressure from Malaysia is not something to be avoided. The Lommel SK player instead views this pressure as an element that will make the match far more engaging.

Joey Pelupessy Excited To Face Malaysia's Pressure

"Regarding how we will handle pressure from the Malaysian national team players, I am actually enthusiastic about it. I have been really looking forward to this," Pelupessy stated during an Indonesia national team training session at PTIK Stadium, Jakarta, Sunday (27/9).

According to Pelupessy, the expected pressure from Malaysia serves as motivation for the Garuda Squad to prepare even more thoroughly.

"Of course there will always be pressure, but I see this first and foremost as excitement. We are all anticipating this big match, and we have prepared properly today. So let us go out and face it," he added.

Pelupessy also confirmed that Indonesia's preparations have been progressing positively following their opening win against Singapore.

He noted that contributions did not only come from players who received match minutes, but also from squad members who are yet to feature, all of whom remain fully committed during training sessions.

The Indonesia national team, Pelupessy explained, has a large squad group where every single member plays a role in preparing for every fixture.

The Lommel SK midfielder also highlighted that squad unity and team camaraderie are critical assets for Indonesia heading into the match against Malaysia.

"So yes, I believe we have prepared extremely well," he concluded.

Herdman Instructs Players To Defend Indonesia's Home Ground

Meanwhile, Indonesia National Team Head Coach John Herdman delivered a special message to his squad ahead of the Malaysia fixture.

"Protect our home. That is the core message," Herdman told his players during the training session at PTIK Stadium, Jakarta on Sunday.

The English coach confirmed players will be given space during internal team meetings to speak openly with one another. Players born and raised in Indonesia will also share their personal perspective on the significance of this match against Malaysia.

Herdman went on to emphasise the importance of upholding Indonesia's honour through their on-pitch performance and the match result.

"When we think about our approach for this match, we are defending our home, our people, our land, and hopefully our trophy," Herdman stated, as quoted by Antara.

Herdman asked all squad members to respect the gravity of this Malaysia fixture, which he described as a critical milestone for Indonesia's tournament campaign.

Players were also instructed to remain true to Indonesia's established playing style and identity, in order to channel energy for the supporters inside SUGBK.

Both Indonesia And Malaysia Enter Fixture Off Opening Wins

The Indonesia vs Malaysia match is scheduled to kick off at 19.30 WIB on Monday (29/9) at SUGBK, Jakarta. This will be Indonesia's second Group A fixture at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Indonesia opened their tournament campaign with a 2-0 victory against Singapore on Friday (25/9). Malaysia meanwhile began their run with a 3-0 win over Bangladesh.

Indonesia last faced Malaysia in December 2021 during the AFF Cup at Singapore National Stadium, where Indonesia secured a 4-1 victory.

The two nations meet again in 2026 for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, which is being hosted by Indonesia.