Indonesia's Uncertain Start in the U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

SIDOARJO, KOMPAS - Indonesia was held to a 0-0 draw by Laos in their opening match of Group J in the qualification for the U-23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, on Wednesday (3/9/2025) evening at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo, East Java. This uncertain result will make it difficult for Indonesia to advance to the main stage of the tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia's next opponents are Macau, followed by South Korea. To qualify for next year's tournament, Indonesia must either win the group or be among the four best second-placed teams.

This draw places Indonesia and Laos with 1 point, below South Korea, which tops the temporary standings with 3 points. A few hours earlier, South Korea won decisively against Macau with a score of 5-0.

In the match, the U-23 Indonesia team coached by Gerald Vanenburg (Netherlands) performed very dominantly. Laos was unable to make a single shot on goal except for a corner kick in the 81st minute.

There is no threat from Laos that endangers the goal of Cahya Supriadi. On the other hand, Kop Lokphathip struggled to save Laos' goal from the onslaught of Indonesia's attacks. Kop excelled by making three saves in the first half and three saves in the second half.

Playing in a 4-3-3 formation, Indonesia took the initiative on the attack from the kick-off. In the 5th minute, Indonesian winger Rayhan Hannan scored from a shaky position in front of the Laos goal. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.

Laos, managed by Coach Ha Hyeokjun (South Korea), played defensively. Laos stacked five defenders and positioned two additional defensive players as holding midfielders. It was clear that Laos aimed to maximize counterattacks.

In fact, to strengthen the defense, in the 30th minute, striker Souksavanh Hopchakkavan was replaced by defender Khampane Doungvilay.

This tactic successfully frustrated the Indonesian attacking trio, namely Hannan, Jens Raven, and William Struick. The combination of attacks from these three players always ended in failure. Indonesia is struggling with finishing.

In the second half, Vanenburg made some changes. Raven, who was ineffective, was replaced by Hokky Caraka. Additionally, defender Kakang Rudianto was substituted for attacking midfielder Ricky Pratama. The "Garuda Muda" aimed to be more aggressive.

Laos responded by withdrawing defender Sonevilay Phetviengsy and deploying midfielder Daophahad Kamkasomphou. In the 63rd minute, Hyeokjun made two substitutions, with the last one occurring in the 80th minute.

Vanenburg made additional substitutions in the 74th and 88th minutes. However, this tactic did not succeed in scoring against Laos. Until the final whistle was blown, signaling the end of the match, the uncertain game concluded with a scoreless draw, or 0-0.

After the match, Hyeokjun, the coach of Laos, stated that he was very pleased because his team was able to hold Indonesia. Laos is ready to create a surprise by facing South Korea.

"Actually, this team's quality is below Indonesia's, but we are grateful that we were able to hold off the hosts," said Hyeokjun.

Gerald stated that the draw was indeed disappointing for his side. For him, there is no other way but to win against Macau, and then South Korea, in the upcoming matches.

"The match didn't go according to the preparations we discussed," said Gerald.

Meanwhile, in the match that started at 15:30 WIB, South Korea won decisively 5-0 against Macau. Four goals were scored by the attacking trio, namely Jeong Jaesang in the 13th minute and a penalty in the 48th minute, Park Seungho in the 49th minute, and Kang Seongjin's goal in the 57th minute. Substitute midfielder Seo Jaemin capped off the celebration with a goal in the 88th minute.

Player line-up:

Indonesia:

Cahya Supriadi; Muhammad Ferrari, Kakang Rudianto, Kadek Arel (C), Dony Tri Pamungkas; Robi Darwis, Arkhan Fikri, Toni Firmansyah; Rayhan Hannan, Jens Raven, Rafael Struick

Coach: Gerald Vanenburg

Laos:

Kop Lokphathip; Phoutthavong Sangvilay, Khammanh Thapaseut, Anantaza Siphongphan (C), Phetdavanh Somsanid, Phoulaung Vinnavong; Sonevilay Phetviengsy, Oun Phetvongsa, Khonesavanh Keonuchanh; Soukhsavanh Hopchakkavan, Peeter Phantavong

Coach: Ha Hyeokjun