Dramatic! Evandra Florasta's penalty leads Indonesia U-19 to defeat Vietnam and qualify for the semi-finals.

The Indonesia U-19 National Team secured their spot in the Semifinals of the AFF U-19 Cup also known as the ASEAN Boys Championship 2026, after defeating Vietnam 2-1 in the final Group A match held at North Sumatra Main Stadium, Deli Serdang, on Sunday 7 June 2026.

This victory saw Garuda Muda finish top of Group A with a perfect record of nine points from three matches.

Indonesia's two winning goals were scored by Reno Salampessy in the 22nd minute, followed by Evandra Florasta who converted a penalty kick during stoppage time at 90+1 minutes. Vietnam had previously equalised through Nguyen Quoc Khanh in the 73rd minute.

Right from kick-off, Indonesia played aggressively as they required a win to secure top position in the Standings and confirm their Semifinal ticket. The squad managed by Nova Arianto immediately dominated the match, utilising combinations of short passing and sharp off-ball movement.

The sustained pressure finally paid off in the 22nd minute. Reno Salampessy put Indonesia ahead after connecting with a precise through ball from Arkhan Kaka. The number 7 player dribbled into the penalty area before firing a finish that the Vietnam Goalkeeper was unable to stop.

Conceding the goal prompted Vietnam to raise their game intensity. The visiting side attempted to take control of proceedings and pushed forward aggressively in search of an equaliser.

Vietnam's pressure forced Indonesia's backline to work extremely hard. Shortly before half time, they came very close to levelling the score, but Garuda Muda's defence remained solid to neutralise the threat.

Indonesia held their 1-0 lead until the end of the first half.

As the second half got underway, Vietnam stepped up their attacks and continued to press the home side's defence. They had a golden opportunity in the 51st minute when Trong Dhui Khang Hoang found space inside the penalty box, but his flicked effort was safely collected by Indonesia Goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi.

Indonesia also had a chance to extend their lead in the 56th minute. Irfan received a through ball from Arkhan Kaka and broke Free of the opposing defence, only to send his finish over the crossbar.

Vietnam's long-awaited goal arrived in the 73rd minute. Team captain Nguyen Quoc Khanh headed home from a corner kick to level the score at 1-1.

Just as the match looked set to end in a Draw, Indonesia were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. The referee pointed to the spot after Vietnam defender Van Khanh Nguyen fouled Theodore Evan Leeming inside the penalty area.

Evandra Florasta stepped up as the penalty taker and executed his duty perfectly in the 90+1st minute. This goal restored Indonesia's 2-1 lead and sealed the full time victory for the home side.

The additional three points confirmed Indonesia as Group A winners with nine points, earning their place in the semifinal round.

Meanwhile, Vietnam finished second in the Standings with six points from two wins and one defeat. They will now wait to confirm qualification as one of the best group runners-up.

Following the match, Indonesia U-19 National Team Head Coach Nova Arianto expressed his satisfaction with the progress shown by his players throughout the group stage.

"I am grateful that every player gave their maximum performance. The boys showed incredible mental strength. Even when the score was level, they kept fighting hard, and we are thankful we could come away with the win in the end," stated Nova.

Despite securing this vital victory, Nova confirmed that the coaching staff will still conduct full evaluation preparations ahead of the semifinal match.

"We will find out tomorrow who our semifinal opponents will be. Regarding Reno, I hope his Injury is not serious and that he will be available to feature in the next round," Nova added.