FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026: Equal on points and goal difference with Malaysia, why did Indonesia win Group A?

Indonesia has secured their ticket to the final of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 after finishing as Group A winners. Notably, this top position was not decided by total points nor goal difference, as Indonesia National Team recorded identical statistics with Malaysia.

Both teams finished the group stage with 7 points from 3 matches. Indonesia and Malaysia also shared an identical +9 goal difference, however the Garuda claimed first place courtesy of a higher total number of goals scored.

Indonesia netted a total of 11 goals across the group phase while only conceding twice. Meanwhile, Malaysia recorded 9 goals without conceding a single goal throughout their group matches.

Final group standings were therefore determined by overall goal productivity. Indonesia's resounding 9-2 victory over Bangladesh at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Thursday became the critical deciding factor in the tight race against Malaysia.

From the opening whistle, Indonesia immediately adopted an aggressive approach. Mitchell Baker opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before finding the back of the net again just nine minutes later.

Rizky Ridho extended Indonesia's lead to 3-0 in the 32nd minute. Bangladesh pulled one back four minutes later through a headed goal from Sahriar Emon.

This goal did not halt Indonesia's attacking pressure however. Baker completed his hat-trick in the 36th minute, before adding his fourth goal of the match in the 42nd minute.

Justin Hubner closed out the first half with a goal during stoppage time. Indonesia went into the half-time break holding a dominant 6-1 lead, firmly on track to secure top spot in Group A.

The Garuda continued their relentless pressure after the restart. Luke Vickery extended Indonesia's lead further in the 89th minute.

Bangladesh scored their second goal through Farhaan Ali Wahid in the 90th minute. Despite this, Indonesia still had enough energy to close the match with two additional goals, scored by Kevin Diks and Baker.

Indonesia sealed the 9-2 victory. Baker emerged as the standout player of the match with an incredible five-goal haul, which ultimately secured Indonesia's superior goal count over Malaysia.

In the other Group A fixture, Malaysia put on a dominant performance against Singapore at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. Bergson Da Silva opened the scoring for Harimau Malaya from the penalty spot in the 8th minute.

Stuart Wilkin doubled Malaysia's advantage in the 26th minute. This 2-0 scoreline remained until the end of the first half.

Malaysia resumed their attacking pressure after half-time. Bergson scored his second goal of the match in the 62nd minute, before Paulo Josue extended the lead to 4-0 in the 76th minute.

Syahir Basyah added Malaysia's fifth goal three minutes before the end of normal time. Bergson then completed his hat-trick during stoppage time to confirm a 6-0 victory.

With this result, Malaysia finished the group stage with 7 points and a +9 goal difference, exactly matching Indonesia's record. However, Malaysia's total of 9 goals was ultimately outnumbered by Indonesia's 11 goals.

As a result, Indonesia claimed first place in Group A with Malaysia finishing as runners-up. The Garuda progress to the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup final, with total goals scored proving the decisive difference in the fiercely contested battle against Harimau Malaya.