Jakarta. Indonesian midfielder Egy Maulana Vikri netted the winning goal in the World Cup 2026 qualification match against Vietnam on Thursday evening, propelling the hosts to their first victory in Group F.

Egy's decisive goal, scored seven minutes into his appearance as a half-time substitute, punished the Vietnamese defense for its failure to control the ball from a throw-in deep inside the penalty box.

With this 1-0 victory, Indonesia ascended to second place in the group standings, trailing behind Iraq with four points from three matches, and overtaking Vietnam in the process.

The much-needed win revitalizes Indonesia's hopes in the qualifying campaign, following a 1-5 defeat to Iraq and a 1-1 draw against the Philippines in November.

During the match, watched by President Joko Widodo from the VVIP tribune at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, coach Shin Tae-Yong deployed seven naturalized players either as starters or substitutes, including Dutch-born Jay Idzes, who made his national team debut after acquiring Indonesian citizenship in December.

Indonesia will face Vietnam again in Hanoi on Tuesday in a crucial match to advance to the third round. Vietnam has three points in the table with two games left.

Meanwhile, Iraq can secure qualification with a victory in their home game against the Philippines later Thursday, boasting a perfect nine points.

Indonesia Lineup:
Muhammad Adi Satryo (GK), Rizky Ridho, Jay Idzes, Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Egy Maulana Vikri 46'), Justin Hubner, Yakob Sayuri (Sandy Walsh 46'), Marselino Ferdinan, Ivar Jenner, Witan Sulaeman, Rafael Struick, Hokky Caraka (Pratama Arhan 46').

Vietnam Lineup:
Filip Nguyen (GK), Xuan Manh Pham, Viet Anh Bui Hoang, Tien Dung Bui, Tuan Tai Phuan, Vo Minh Trong, Do Hung Dung (Le Pham Thanh Long 73'), Nguyen Tai Son, Nguyen Hoang Duc, Manh Dung Nham, Nguyen Dinh Bac (Vu Van Tanh 61').

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