Indonesia hosted Malaysia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on the evening of 28/9 for their second Group A match in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Thom Haye received a red card in the 38th minute for a challenge on Arif Aiman, forcing Indonesia to play with 10 men for over 50 minutes.

Malaysia capitalized on their numerical advantage, particularly in the second half, to apply pressure. Indonesia primarily focused on defense and created few attacking opportunities. However, Malaysia failed to score, resulting in a 0-0 draw where both teams shared the points.

Coach John Herdman during the Indonesia versus Malaysia match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 28/9/2026, the second matchday of Group A in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Photo: Antara

Herdman believes that losing a player created a necessary challenge for the Indonesian squad. "We received a red card, and I think the red card truly gave the players an opportunity to build solidarity, to learn how to fight together in crucial moments for our country, to continue to push forward and fight," the English coach said after the match.

The 51-year-old coach continued, "You can view the red card as a curse, but in a way, it's a gift because it's part of the team's journey. We need such moments. Even the coach is ready to fight for his players."

Dion Cools, Malaysia's captain and defender, also praised Indonesia after the game. Cools stated, "It's difficult to pinpoint one specific player. In my opinion, overall they are very strong, physically fit, and play aggressively. There's a reason many of them play in Europe. They are good, play cohesively, so they are very hard to beat."

Herdman acknowledged that Indonesia needs to improve how they play with only 10 men. He noted that the team performed well with a full squad but faced difficulties in attack after Haye was sent off.

The Indonesia coach stated that the team controlled Malaysia's threat on the left wing, where their opponent had a strong presence. Indonesia still created some opportunities, including one shot that hit the post and a disallowed goal.

After losing a player, Indonesia had to be more cautious as their fitness declined. Herdman admitted the team could have played more proactively with 10 men, but the draw also helps Indonesia maintain their chances in the final group stage match.

Herdman also thanked the nearly 57.000 spectators present at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. He believes the support from the crowd is an important factor for Indonesia. Herdman said, "We are building a brotherhood here, where they will fight even when injured."

After two matchdays of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, Indonesia has four points, placing them second in Group A, level with Malaysia but with an inferior goal difference (+2 compared to +3). On the final matchday on 1/10, Indonesia will face Bangladesh in Jakarta, while Malaysia will play Singapore in Bandung. Herdman confirmed that Indonesia will focus on preparing for this decisive match.

Hoang An (according to CNN Indonesia)