Entering the final group stage match, Indonesia led Group A with 6 points, three points ahead of both the Philippines and Malaysia. A draw was all the hosts needed to advance. A loss would have likely left Indonesia tied with Malaysia and the Philippines (who were expected to easily defeat Brunei), requiring tiebreakers based on head-to-head results.

Indonesia had previously beaten the Philippines 1-0, while the Philippines had defeated Malaysia 2-0. To secure the top spot, Malaysia needed to win by a margin of three goals or more, which would give them a goal difference of +1, the same as the Philippines, but with more goals scored. A two-goal victory would have placed Malaysia second behind the Philippines, leaving their fate dependent on results from the other groups. A one-goal win would have eliminated Malaysia, placing the Philippines first and Indonesia second.

Indonesian forward of Dutch descent Jens Raven (red) dribbles during the 0-0 draw against Malaysia in the final Group A match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 21/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Indonesian forward of Dutch descent Jens Raven (red) dribbles during the 0-0 draw against Malaysia in the final Group A match of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 21/7/2025. Photo: Hai Tu

Around 20,000 spectators filled Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to witness not only a crucial match for advancement, but also a clash between two long-time Southeast Asian rivals.

The match was intense from the start, with a flashpoint early on involving a collision between Fergus Tierney and the Indonesian defenders. Indonesia dominated possession, controlling the ball 68% of the time. Both teams managed 10 shots, but few were truly threatening.

The first real chance came in the 27th minute. Victor Dethan dribbled towards the box and slid a pass to Rayhan Hannan, whose shot from a tight angle was blocked. Malaysia's first significant opportunity came in the 53rd minute with a free-kick by Izwan Yuslan. From about 30 meters out, Yuslan's powerful left-footed shot towards the top right corner was saved by goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi.

In the 58th minute, Indonesia created their most fluid attack of the match down the right wing. Substitute Achmad Maulana beat a defender and crossed the ball into the box. Jens Raven, unmarked, met the ball with a first-time shot, but it lacked the power to beat goalkeeper Sharani.

For the remainder of the match, Indonesia focused on maintaining possession, while Malaysia, despite pushing forward, lacked the energy to create any further chances.

Indonesia's draw eliminated Malaysia from the 2025 AFF U23 Championship and secured their place in the semi-finals as Group A winners. They finished with 7 points, one point ahead of the Philippines, who beat Brunei 2-0.

The semi-finals will feature the three group winners and the best second-placed team. The Philippines are likely to advance, as Cambodia in Group B and Myanmar in Group C face tough matches against Vietnam and Thailand, respectively, on 22/7.

If Vietnam wins Group B and the Philippines qualify, coach Kim Sang-sik's team will likely face the Philippines in the semi-finals. The other semi-final will likely pit Indonesia against the Group C winner, most likely Thailand.

Starting lineups:

Indonesia: Cahya Supriadi, Kakang Rudianto, Robi Darwis, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Kakek Arel, Tony Firmansyah, Victor Dethan, Rahmat Arjuna, Alfharezzi Buffon, Rayhan Hannan, Jens Raven

Malaysia: Zulhilmi Sharani, Fergus Tierney, Aiman Yusuf, Shafizan Arshad, Aysar Hadi, Haykal Danish, Izwan Yuslan, Muhammad Abu Khalil, Ubaidullah Shamsul, Ziad El Basheer, Haqimi Azim Rosli.