Indonesia’s late nine-goal thriller seals ASEAN Cup final place

Indonesia secured their place in the ASEAN Cup final after a remarkable 9-2 victory over Bangladesh, scoring twice in stoppage time to survive a dramatic late scare in Jakarta.

The hosts needed a convincing win to overtake Malaysia and finish top of the group. They appeared to have done enough long before the final whistle, with Mitchell Baker scoring five goals in a historic individual performance.

Indonesia dominated the first half and went into the break 6-1 ahead, prompting loud celebrations inside Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. The match seemed settled, with the home side in complete control and the required result appearing comfortably within reach.

The momentum changed after the interval, however. Indonesia’s attacking threat faded, while Malaysia continued to score against Singapore. Malaysia eventually reached six goals, leaving the group standings finely balanced and Indonesia’s position at the top under threat.

Bangladesh then added to the tension by scoring a second goal in the 91st minute. The strike was greeted by silence and disbelief among the home supporters, who suddenly faced the possibility of losing top spot despite their team’s commanding first-half display.

With Indonesia in danger of surrendering the advantage in the closing stages, the referee allowed a lengthy period of added time. The home side pushed forward once more, searching for further goals that would restore their superior goal difference and keep their qualification hopes secure.

Their response came in the 96th minute. Kevin Diks scored Indonesia’s eighth goal, reigniting the atmosphere in the Jakarta stands and easing the pressure on the hosts.

Only a minute later, Mitchell Baker completed his five-goal haul by adding Indonesia’s ninth. The late double transformed the mood inside the stadium, with supporters moving from celebration to anxiety and then back to jubilation in the space of only a few minutes.

The final stages produced one of the most extraordinary sequences of the tournament. Indonesia had appeared certain to win, then faced the prospect of losing the group lead, before two goals in stoppage time settled the contest and restored their advantage.

The 9-2 result confirmed Indonesia’s place in the ASEAN Cup final after a match featuring 11 goals and dramatic swings in momentum until the last moments.