* Indonesia - Vietnam: 8 p.m. Tuesday 29/7, on VnExpress.

After two weeks of competition, the 2025 AFF U23 Championship final is set between Indonesia and Vietnam on 29/7. Both teams topped their respective groups. In the semi-finals, Vietnam defeated the Philippines 2-1, while Indonesia overcame Thailand 7-6 in a penalty shootout.

Speaking to the Indonesian media, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir expressed his desire for the players to capitalize on their home advantage. "Don't let them win on our home turf," Thohir said. "If Vietnam plays aggressively, they will see our aggression too."

Indonesia celebrates after winning 7-6 against Thailand in the penalty shootout of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship semi-final, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia on 25/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

The chairman, born in 1970, clarified that "aggression" meant playing with full commitment and courage, not injuring opponents. He also recalled Indonesia's loss to Vietnam in the 2023 AFF U23 Championship final.

"That tournament in Thailand was very difficult," Thohir said. "This is the second time the two teams have met, and I believe things will be different."

At the Rayong Stadium in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia drew 0-0 after extra time. In the penalty shootout, both teams scored their first five penalties before Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari's shot was saved, resulting in a 6-5 loss for Indonesia. Previously, Vietnam lost 0-1 to Indonesia in the 2019 semi-final and 2-3 in the 2023 SEA Games semi-final.

The PSSI chairman hopes that coach Gerald Vanenburg and his team have thoroughly assessed the squad and learned from the defeat two years ago. He believes that regardless of Vietnam's strategy, Indonesia will stick to their playing style.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir speaks at a press conference at the federation's headquarters in 9/2024. Photo: Bola

Thohir's final hope is for strikers Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka to play with more confidence and composure in the final. Jens Raven currently leads the tournament's scoring charts with 7 goals, including the equalizer in the second half against Thailand. However, the Dutch-born striker suffered an injury late in the match and had to leave the field in a wheelchair. Meanwhile, Caraka is yet to score but gained confidence after converting his penalty in the semi-final.

In addition to Raven, the availability of Arkhan Fikri and Toni Firmansyah is also uncertain due to injuries.

Former naturalized striker Christian Gonzales acknowledged that Indonesia had a grueling semi-final match. However, he believes the three-day break is sufficient for the team to recover before facing Vietnam. "Each team has its own motivation. But Indonesia can win regardless of the opponent," Gonzales wrote on Instagram.

The final between Vietnam and Indonesia will take place at 8 p.m. on 29/7 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. If Indonesia wins, they will equal Vietnam's record of two titles in this tournament.

The last time Vietnam played Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium at the senior level was in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - Asian zone in 3/2024. Egy Maulana Vikri scored the only goal to secure a 1-0 victory for the hosts.

Trung Thu