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View all search resultsAustralia squeezed past host Indonesia with a 1-0 victory to reach Sunday's final against Thailand, setting up the Young Garuda for a face-off with Cambodia on Saturday for third place in the ASEAN U-19 tournament.
Young Garuda midfielder Eizar Tanjung (right) challenges his Australian counterpart Alexander Jesse Bolton for possession on June 11, 2026, during their semifinal match in the 2026 ASEAN Under-19 Boys’ Bank Sumut Championship at the North Sumatra Main Stadium in Deli Serdang regency, North Sumatra. Indonesia bowed out of the tournament after it lost to Australia 0-1. (Antara Foto/Yudi Manar)
ndonesia's bid to reach the final of the 2026 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Soccer Championship, ended in heartbreak on Thursday night after Australia secured a narrow 1-0 win during their semifinal match at the North Sumatra Main Stadium in Deli Serdang regency.
The two sides fiercely contested the match from the opening whistle. Australia’s Young Socceroos looked more confident in the first half, taking the initiative in attacks. But their efforts to break through the back line and beat goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi were thwarted by the disciplined defense of Indonesia's Young Garuda, captained by center-back Putu Panji.
Despite racking up more possession, the Young Socceroos struggled to create clear-cut chances, the match remaining a goalless when the referee blew the halftime whistle.
The match became more open in the second half as both teams pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. Australia continued to dominate possession, while Indonesia threatened through quick counterattacks.
The Young Garuda’s best opportunities came in the 67th and 80th minutes with moves down both flanks, exposing gaps in the Australian defense, but forwards Arkhan Kaka and Dimas Adi were unable to convert their chances.
The Young Socceroos the deadlock in the 89th minute, just a minute before the end of normal time, breaching Indonesia's defense with an attack down the right flank, allowing substitute forward Marcus Neill to shoot true past Dafa.
Read also: Indonesia beats Vietnam 2-1 to reach AFF U-19 semifinals
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