Defending champions Vietnam produced a commanding display to defeat Indonesia 3-0 at Pakansari Stadium, taking a major step towards the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semi-finals while recording a historic first-ever victory over the Garuda on Indonesian soil.
Despite leaving stars Nguyen Quang Hai and reigning 2024 Player of the Year Nguyen Xuan Son on the bench, head coach Kim Sang-sik watched his side seize control inside the opening 15 minutes through goals from Nguyen Van Vi and Nguyen Hai Long. Xuan Son later came off the bench to score the decisive third as Vietnam climbed to the top of Group A.
The victory lifts Vietnam to seven points from three matches, edging Singapore on goal difference and moving one point clear of Indonesia with one group fixture remaining. Vietnam will face Cambodia in their final group match on Friday, while Indonesia travel to Singapore in what has become a must-win encounter.
Vietnam’s relentless pressing paid immediate dividends in the sixth minute. Hai Long burst down the left before finding Nguyen Hoang Duc, whose perfectly weighted first-time pass released Van Vi to calmly beat Nadeo Argawinata at the near post.
Indonesia attempted to respond by increasing the tempo, but Vietnam punished them again just eight minutes later. Thanh Long’s incisive through ball sent Hai Long racing clear from midfield, and the winger kept his composure to finish past Nadeo for a deserved 2-0 advantage.
The defending champions continued to threaten before the break, with Nguyen Tai Loc heading narrowly wide, while Indonesia’s only real opportunity arrived in first-half stoppage time when Mitchell Baker failed to keep his header on target.
Any hopes of an Indonesian comeback faded in the second half.
Kim introduced Xuan Son in the 63rd minute, and the striker immediately added another dimension to Vietnam’s attack. After being denied by Nadeo in the 70th minute, the Nam Dinh FC forward found the net just moments later, latching onto another defence-splitting pass from Hoang Duc before calmly finishing to wrap up an emphatic victory.
The result not only strengthens Vietnam’s bid to defend their regional crown but also delivers a landmark achievement, as Kim Sang-sik’s side became the first Vietnamese national team to defeat Indonesia on Indonesian soil. It was a statement victory from the reigning champions—and one that firmly establishes them as favourites to top Group A heading into the knockout stage.
Credit Photo : ZNews
