Indonesia to a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Timor-Leste, maintaining the Garuda’s perfect record in Group A of the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 at Chonburi Stadium, Chonburi.
After announcing himself with a remarkable hat-trick on his international debut against Cambodia, Baker once again delivered on the biggest stage, scoring his fourth goal in just two appearances as Indonesia strengthened their position at the top of the group.
Late strikes from Shayne Pattynama, Thom Haye, and Baker eventually broke Timor-Leste’s stubborn resistance in Chonburi after the underdogs had battled courageously for more than 70 minutes despite playing with ten men.
While Baker’s latest goal came late in the contest, the young forward once again proved why he has quickly become one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
His close-range finish in the 81st minute completed Indonesia’s victory and underlined his remarkable goalscoring instinct, taking his tally to four goals in only two senior international matches.
For Indonesia head coach John Herdman, Baker’s explosive emergence provides another major attacking weapon as the Garuda continue their pursuit of ASEAN glory.
Despite eventually suffering defeat, Timor-Leste produced a determined display under difficult circumstances.
The match changed dramatically in the 21st minute when Jackson Fowler was shown a second yellow card after pulling down Thom Haye following an earlier booking, leaving Timor-Leste to play with ten men for nearly 70 minutes.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, the side coached by Zé Pedro refused to surrender.
Goalkeeper Dylan Niski kept his team alive with several outstanding saves during the opening half, first denying Ivar Jenner before watching Rayhan Hannan’s rebound strike the post.
Moments later, Niski produced another excellent stop to prevent Tim Geypens after the defender burst through Indonesia’s backline.
Indonesia dominated possession throughout but struggled to unlock Timor-Leste’s disciplined defensive block.
Ironically, the best opportunity of the second half initially fell to Timor-Leste.
In the 55th minute, Liam Farrugia released Zion Cruz down the left before his cutback found Tristan Arrate, whose first-time effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
Shortly afterwards, Zenivio Gustavo also threatened Indonesia’s goal as Timor-Leste sensed an upset.
Indonesia wasted a golden opportunity midway through the second half when Baker headed Thom Haye’s inviting cross wide from only eight yards.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute.
Haye threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Dony Pamungkas, whose cutback found Shayne Pattynama, and the defender calmly slotted home with his left foot to finally break Timor-Leste’s resistance.
Only four minutes later, Haye doubled Indonesia’s advantage with one of the goals of the tournament, curling a magnificent 25-yard free-kick into the top corner beyond the helpless Niski.
Baker then completed the scoring in the 81st minute, reacting quickest to Ragnar Oratmangoen’s low cross to tap home from close range and seal another impressive Indonesian victory.
The win moves Indonesia onto six points from two matches, firmly establishing Herdman’s side as one of the favourites to progress to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Timor-Leste remain without a point after playing one match more than Indonesia, leaving their hopes of qualification hanging by a thread.
With Baker enjoying a dream introduction to international football and experienced stars like Haye continuing to dictate matches from midfield, Indonesia’s title credentials continue to grow stronger with every performance.
After another convincing victory, the Garuda now head into the next phase of the group stage full of confidence as momentum builds in their quest to reclaim the ASEAN crown.
Credit Photo : PSSI
