Indonesia entered the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers as favorites in Group J, playing at home against Laos, Macau, and South Korea. With several key players from the U23 Southeast Asian Championship team that finished as runners-up to Vietnam, coach Gerald Vanenburg's side was expected to compete for the top spot, which guarantees a place in the finals, or at least be among the 4 best second-placed teams.

The hosts started strongly, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. However, they lacked the finishing touch.

Indonesia (white) was frustrated by Laos' resilient defense in their opening Group J match of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers at the Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java on 6/9/2025. Photo: Bola

Indonesia thought they had taken the lead in the 6th minute when Rayan Hannan found the back of the net. However, the referee ruled out the goal, adjudging Jens Raven to be offside in the buildup.

Raven, who is of Dutch-Indonesian heritage and acquired Indonesian citizenship in June 2024, has a promising record, having scored 8 goals in 17 appearances for the Indonesian U19 and U20 teams. He also played a key role in Indonesia's victory at the 2024 AFF U-19 Youth Championship and was the top scorer at the 2025 AFF U-23 Youth Championship with 7 goals.

The disallowed goal seemed to set the tone for a frustrating night for Indonesia. Between the 25th and 29th minutes, Toni Firmansyah and Rafael Struick both had excellent opportunities but were denied by goalkeeper Kop Lokphathip. In the 33rd and 42nd minutes, Indonesian players managed to beat the Laos keeper, only to be thwarted by last-ditch defending and clearances off the line.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Indonesia continued to attack, with Rafael Struick prominent, but they couldn't break down the resilient Laos defense. Lokphathip continued to impress with at least two more outstanding saves.

The goalless draw leaves Indonesia facing a tough challenge to qualify, especially with South Korea, a strong contender, also in their group.

Meanwhile, Thailand, playing at home at the Thammasat Stadium, comfortably defeated Mongolia. The Southeast Asian representatives raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to a brace from Seksan Ratree and an opening goal by Iklas Sanron. In the second half, Seksan Ratree completed his hat-trick, before Chawanwit Saelao and Yotsakorn Burapha added further goals to secure a resounding victory.

Thailand's squad included several players who featured in the U23 Southeast Asian Championship, where they won the bronze medal for the second consecutive time, including striker Yotsakorn Burapha and captain Seksan Ratri. Their main absence was Erawan Garnier, the 19-year-old winger who plays for Lyon.

The 2026 U23 Asian Cup qualifiers are taking place from 6/9 to 12/9, with 44 teams divided into 11 groups across 11 countries. The teams will play each other once in a round-robin format, with the 11 group winners and the 4 best runners-up joining hosts Saudi Arabia in the finals.

Hong Duy