Indonesia National Team closed out Group A stage of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 with a dominant 9-2 victory over Bangladesh at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK), Jakarta, on Thursday evening, 01/10/2026. Yet this resounding scoreline was far more than just a goal fest.
While Garuda fought to find the net in Jakarta, Malaysia was facing off against Singapore at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung. Both matches kicked off simultaneously, and would decide which nation would finish top of Group A.
Heading into this final group match, Indonesia and Malaysia were both level on 4 points. However Malaysia held the advantage on goal difference, with Singapore sitting just behind on 3 points.
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This meant it was not enough for Indonesia to simply win the match. Goal scoring output would be the deciding factor should both nations end the group stage level on points.
And so a frantic goal chase unfolded across the two stadiums.
Indonesia came out attacking aggressively right from the first minute. John Herdman's attacking approach was clear, as Garuda pressed high constantly and probed for gaps in Bangladesh's defence.
In the 11th minute, Mitchell Baker opened the scoring after latching onto a pass from Ole Romeny. Baker struck again in the 20th minute, before Rizky Ridho extended Indonesia's lead to 3-0 in the 32nd minute.
Bangladesh pulled one back through Shahriar Emon in the 36th minute, but Indonesia hit back immediately.
Baker found the net once more in the 37th minute, before adding another just four minutes later. Four first half goals cemented Baker as the biggest threat to Bangladesh's backline.
Justin Hubner then rounded off the first half with a goal in the 1st minute of first half stoppage time.
Indonesia went into the break leading 6-1.
But the goal rush at GBK had not yet secured a safe position. Over in Bandung, Malaysia was also continuing to add to their tally against Singapore.
As the second half got underway, Indonesia kept pushing for more goals. Elkan Baggott went close with a headed effort, while Egy Maulana Vikri's long range strike was well saved by the Bangladesh goalkeeper.
Ole Romeny even had the ball in the net in the 85th minute, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Meanwhile in Bandung, Malaysia continued to extend their lead at Jalak Harupat, eventually running out 6-0 winners over Singapore.
The pressure immediately shifted back to the match in Jakarta.
Indonesia had to keep chasing goals.
The drama reached its peak in second half stoppage time. In the 90th minute, Luke Vickery scored Indonesia's seventh goal. But barely 60 seconds later, Bangladesh pulled one back through Farhaan Ali Wahid.
The score stood at 7-2.
Malaysia had already concluded their match with that 6-0 victory. Time was rapidly running out for Indonesia.
In the 96th minute of stoppage time, Kevin Diks scored Indonesia's eighth goal.
Moments later, Mitchell Baker fired past the Bangladesh goalkeeper once again.
9-2!
The entire GBK stadium erupted.
This fifth goal for Baker capped off an extraordinary individual performance. But his impact extended far beyond just his goal tally. John Herdman's attacking system had freed Baker up to operate aggressively high up the pitch.
Baker's presence also opened up far more space for Ole Romeny to dictate play. Ole was able to roam freely, receive possession, build attacking moves and pick gaps between Bangladesh's defensive lines.
While Baker provided direct, constant threat inside the final third, Ole had the room to create and orchestrate attacks. The chemistry between the pair was one of the standout elements of Indonesia's attacking display.
John Herdman's gameplan, along with this deadly Baker-Ole partnership, was the focus of discussion on the ITSMe Podcast, featuring Football Analyst Ronny Pangemanan and Sapto Haryo Rajasa.
Recorded at Sentul Studio in Bogor and hosted by Gilang Respaty and Pudila, the podcast broke down how Herdman's attacking approach successfully maximised the strengths of Indonesian players in the forward line.
When all was said and done, the cross-stadium drama concluded with Indonesia finishing top of Group A.
Both Indonesia and Malaysia ended the group stage on 7 points with an identical +9 goal difference. However Indonesia scored 11 total goals across the group phase, compared to Malaysia's 9.
Those two late stoppage time goals proved absolutely decisive. The strikes from Kevin Diks and Mitchell Baker ensured Indonesia finished ahead on goals scored, sealing top spot in Group A.
As a result, Indonesia progresses to the tournament final.
Thailand will be waiting in the title decider, having already secured first place in Group B.
The frantic goal chase across GBK and Jalak Harupat is now over. Garuda have completed their group stage mission.
Only one match remains.
One final match, to fight for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 trophy.
