Defeating Vietnam 2-1, Nova Arianto stated that Garuda Muda's performance is becoming increasingly mature.

Indonesia U-19 National Team Head Coach Nova Arianto has praised the playing development shown by his squad throughout the 2026 AFF U-19 Cup tournament. This assessment was delivered after Garuda Muda secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Vietnam in the final Group A match.

This result, obtained at North Sumatra Main Stadium in Deli Serdang on Sunday 7 June 2026, also confirmed Indonesia's progression to the semi-final round as group winners.

Nova expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, which he observed showed consistent improvement match after match.

"Regardless of the final score, I am delighted to see that the players' performance has been improving," stated Nova following the match against Vietnam at North Sumatra Main Stadium, Deli Serdang, Sunday 7 June 2026.

Successfully defeating Vietnam marked the perfect conclusion for Indonesia's group stage campaign. Prior to this match, Garuda Muda had also registered convincing wins against Myanmar and Timor Leste.

According to Nova, this achievement is the product of the positive development demonstrated by all squad members throughout the tournament, including team captain I Putu Panji Apriawan and his teammates.

In their opening Group A fixture, Indonesia defeated Myanmar by a score of 3-0. An identical result was recorded against Timor Leste. This positive streak continued as Garuda Muda overcame Vietnam's resistance with a 2-1 scoreline in the decisive final group match.

"From the match against Myanmar, then Timor Leste, right up to this final game against Vietnam, the progress has been exceptional," Nova commented.

Despite completing the entire group stage with a perfect winning record, Nova emphasized that his squad must not become complacent with their current results. The team's main focus right now is preparing for the far tougher challenges that await in the semi-finals.

The 46-year-old coach stated that consistent performance levels and the ability to maintain concentration are critical aspects that must continue to be improved if the team aims to advance further in the tournament.

Nova also confirmed that the coaching staff will fully prepare the squad without any bias over which opponent they will face in the upcoming final four round.

"We have to be ready to face anyone in the semi-finals," he added.

Carrying momentum from three consecutive group stage victories, Indonesia U-19 will enter the semi-final round with high confidence, along with full determination to continue their positive run and achieve the best possible result at the 2026 AFF U-19 Cup.