Heartbreak: Indonesia Fall to Vietnam in AFF U-23 Final

 Indonesia’s U-23 national team came heartbreakingly close to winning the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship but ultimately fell 0–1 to Vietnam in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta. Despite carrying momentum from an unbeaten run in the group and knockout stages, Garuda Muda couldn’t find a way past Vietnam’s disciplined defense. The only goal of the match came in the 37th minute when Nguyễn Công Phương capitalized on a loose ball from a corner, silencing a crowd of over 35,000 fans. Indonesia dominated possession but lacked the final touch.

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The tournament had started brightly for Indonesia. They dismantled Brunei 8–0 in their opening match, with Jens Raven scoring an astonishing six goals. They followed that with a narrow 1–0 win over the Philippines and a goalless draw against Malaysia to top Group A. The semifinal against Thailand was a dramatic affair trailing early, Raven’s equalizer pushed the match into extra time, and Indonesia eventually triumphed 7–6 in a penalty shootout thanks to goalkeeper Muhammad Ardiansyah’s crucial saves. The final, however, proved a tougher challenge.

Key players Arkhan Fikri and Toni Firmansyah were unavailable from the start due to fitness issues, robbing Indonesia of midfield creativity. Arkhan’s late entry in the second half couldn’t shift the momentum. Tactically, the decision to deploy three central defenders offered little attacking variation, and Vietnam remained compact until the final whistle. For all of Indonesia’s energy and control, real chances were few and far between.

Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo praised the team’s spirit but emphasized the need for sharper preparation ahead of September’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the SEA Games in December. Coach Gerald Vanenburg confirmed he would not continue with the team for the SEA Games, ending his tenure after a mixed campaign. Despite the loss, the tournament revealed both promise and gaps: strong individual performances but lingering issues in squad depth and tactical consistency.

Vietnam’s win marks their third consecutive AFF U-23 title and further fuels one of Southeast Asia’s most intense football rivalries. For Indonesia, the dream is still alive—delayed, not denied. The team now turns to the next challenge, carrying lessons from this defeat and the belief that with growth and grit, their time will come.

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