Indonesia U-23’s Goal Fest Sets the Stage for Decisive Clash Against South Korea
Indonesia’s U-23 national team delivered an impressive performance by defeating Macau U-23 with a commanding 5-0 victory in the Asian U-23 Championship 2026 qualifiers. This crucial match took place at Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo and marked a strong comeback for the young Garuda squad after a goalless draw against Laos in their opening game. The resounding win not only earned them three vital points but also improved their goal difference, keeping their hopes alive for direct qualification to the tournament’s final stage in Saudi Arabia next year.
From the very start, Indonesia showed high intensity, quickly gaining an advantage thanks to an early own goal by Macau’s defender. The momentum continued with goals from key players, extending the lead comfortably before halftime. The second half saw Indonesia maintain dominance, adding three more goals to seal a comprehensive win. This result boosted their position to second place in Group J, just behind South Korea, who currently top the group with six points after two wins.
Coach Gerald Vanenburg’s tactical adjustments paid off, especially in improving the team’s finishing. Unlike the match against Laos where many shots failed to find the net, Indonesia converted almost every opportunity into goals against Macau. This newfound clinical edge in attack has provided the squad with confidence and valuable momentum heading into their toughest challenge yet—the upcoming match against South Korea.
The final group match, set for September 9th at the same venue, will be decisive in determining who tops the group and secures direct qualification to the Asian U-23 Championship. Indonesia must win to claim first place; otherwise, they will need to rely on their ranking among the best runners-up across all groups. With South Korea’s powerful goal-scoring record and strong form, Indonesia faces a significant test that will require peak physical and mental readiness to achieve their qualification dream.
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