Indonesia Out of AFF U-17 Cup 2026, Kurniawan and Rocha React (Translation note: Concise, under 255 chars. "Out" conveys "Tersingkir" efficiently. "React" captures "Ini Kata". Tournament name kept standard.)

Indonesia U-17 drew 0-0 against Vietnam in their final Group A match of the 2026 AFF U-17 Cup at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo, East Java, on Sunday night. This result meant the Garuda Muda failed to advance to the semifinals and ended their campaign prematurely in front of their home supporters.

The match was tight from the opening minutes with high tension. Vietnam played with a low defensive line while building attacks from the back. The visitors tried to lure Indonesian players out of their defensive area.

Vietnam's first chance came in the 4th minute from a long-range shot by Nguyen Van Duong, but the ball sailed over the crossbar guarded by Abdillah Ishak. 

Three minutes later, Vietnam threatened again through Nguyen Ngoc Anh Hao's flick, but Abdillah managed to secure the ball.

The squad under Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto tried to respond with more open play. However, their efforts to pressure the opponent failed to create dangerous chances. 

Vietnam instead troubled the Garuda Muda's back line several times.

Approaching halftime, Vietnam had another opportunity but failed to score. The 0-0 scoreline held until the break.

Entering the second half, Indonesia took the initiative to attack. In the 46th minute, Peres Awkila unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty box, but the ball missed the target. 

Vietnam responded in the 52nd minute with a quick counter-attack scheme, but Abdillah Ishak again showed his quality under the crossbar. 

Vietnam increased the pressure through a chance by Le Trong Dai Nhan in the 62nd minute. Indonesia replied with a long-range effort by Girly Andrade, but it flew over the Vietnamese crossbar.

Until the final whistle, both teams failed to break the deadlock. 

This draw placed Vietnam at the top of Group A Standings with seven points. Malaysia moved up to second place with six points after defeating Timor-Leste 2-0 and also advanced to the semifinals as the best runner-up.

Meanwhile, Indonesia finished in third position and was eliminated in the group stage.

Comments from Kurniawan and Rocha

After the match, Indonesia U-17 coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto said this result would serve as evaluation material for the upcoming AFC U-17 Cup. 

"We prepared a game plan focused on defense and counter-attacks. But when executing counter-attacks, the results weren't optimal, and this is a note before we compete in the Asian Cup," said Kurniawan during the post-match press conference.

"When we played with five players at the back, the support going forward was indeed less. So we had to maximize counter-attacks," he added. 

Meanwhile, Vietnam U-17 coach Cristiano Rocha admitted he was surprised by Indonesia's tactical approach. 

"I was a little surprised to see Indonesia just waiting. I thought they would change their strategy in the second half, but it remained the same," said Rocha. 

Next, Vietnam will face Australia in the semifinal. The other semifinal will see Laos take on Malaysia at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo.