- Indonesia launched their AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing 5-0 win over South Korea in Jakarta.
- Captain Mochammad Iqbal scored twice as the hosts controlled the match and kept South Korea largely quiet.
- The win puts Indonesia top of Group A on goal difference, ahead of Iraq, with Kyrgyzstan next on Thursday.
Indonesia’s national futsal team kicked off the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in style, cruising to a convincing 5-0 win over South Korea in the opening Group A match at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Head coach Hector Souto started Ahmad Habibie in goal, with Rizki Xavier, Mochammad Iqbal, Israr Megantara and Firman Adriansyah lining up as the outfield quartet.
Playing as hosts, Indonesia looked sharp from the first whistle and quickly made it count when Mochammad Iqbal found the net to give the Garuda an early 1-0 lead.
Indonesia maintained a high-tempo futsal approach built on quick, short passing, a rhythm that repeatedly opened space for combinations inside the South Korean penalty area.
Syauqi Saud’s low shot in the 10th minute was still kept out by goalkeeper Jooho Jeong, but a minute later the No. 1 could do little to prevent Indonesia from doubling the lead.
Left unmarked, Rio Pangestu fired a powerful low drive past Jeong for Indonesia’s second goal, changing the scoreline to 2-0.
Indonesia continued to press despite the two-goal cushion. In the 12th minute, a well-worked attacking move ended with Syauqi meeting a pass first time. Jeong was wrong-footed, but the effort narrowly drifted wide.
South Korea had a golden chance in the 18th minute when Jooho Kim broke free, but Habibie reacted quickly to deny the No. 11 and keep Indonesia in front. The first half ended with the hosts leading 2-0.
Indonesia made another strong start after the break as Iqbal struck again in the 21st minute to extend the lead to 3-0, marking the captain’s second goal of the night.
South Korea showed little improvement in the second half as their attack struggled to develop. Indonesia, meanwhile, kept the same intensity and added a fourth in the 29th minute through Israr Megantara, who finished with a left-footed touch.
In the final 10 minutes, Indonesia played with growing confidence. The hosts completed the rout in the 37th minute when Reza Gunawan made it 5-0, sealing a dominant opening victory.
The result puts Indonesia top of Group A on three points, ahead on goal difference of Iraq, who beat Kyrgyzstan 4-2 earlier on the same day.
Indonesia will face Kyrgyzstan next on Thursday (Jan. 29) at 7 p.m. WIB at Indonesia Arena, while South Korea are scheduled to meet Iraq in the afternoon.
Lineups:
Indonesia: Ahmad Habiebie (GK), Rizki Xavier, Mochammad Iqbal, Israr Megantara, Firman Adriansyah.
Coach: Hector Souto.
South Korea: Jeong Joohoo (GK), Kang Jukwang, Kim Gunwoo, Hwang Un, Kim Minseong.
Coach: Paulo Fernandes.
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