Deliserdang, North Sumatra. Indonesia’s Under-19 national team secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 AFF U-19 Championship after defeating Vietnam 2-1 with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty in the decisive Group A match at North Sumatra Main Stadium on Sunday.

The victory, achieved in front of more than 22,000 home supporters, ensured that the Young Garuda advanced to the last four without relying on results elsewhere in the tournament.

Indonesia started brightly and sought to control possession from the opening whistle, with Japanese referee Tanimoto Ryo overseeing the match. The hosts applied sustained pressure on Vietnam’s defense but initially struggled to convert their chances.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when Reno Salampessy broke through the Vietnamese back line and calmly finished past goalkeeper Xuan Tin Hoa to give Indonesia a deserved lead.

Indonesia’s momentum was disrupted in the 33rd minute when Reno was forced off with an injury and replaced by Irfan Abadi Siregar.

Vietnam gradually grew into the game and found an equalizer in the 72nd minute. Quic Khant Nguyen won an aerial duel from a corner kick and headed the ball beyond Indonesian goalkeeper Daffa Al Gasemi Setiawarman.

The match became increasingly heated after the equalizer, with tensions spilling beyond the field. A Vietnamese team official was shown a red card after allegedly interfering with an Indonesian player preparing to take a throw-in.

Just as the contest appeared destined for a draw, Indonesia earned a decisive opportunity in the 90th minute. Theodore Evan Leeming was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Midfielder Evandra Florasta stepped up and converted from the spot, sending the home crowd into celebration and sealing a 2-1 victory.

Indonesia will now await its semifinal opponent from Group B, where Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage.

“Our journey is not over. We are grateful to have reached the semifinals, but our target is to become champions,” head coach Nova Arianto said after the match.

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