Jakarta - The resounding 5-1 victory over Cambodia in the opening Group A fixture of the 2026 AFF Cup did not merely secure three points for the Indonesian National Team. More significantly, the match held at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor Regency, has sparked optimism that John Herdman is finally establishing the playing identity he has sought to build since taking the helm of the Garuda squad.
All primary attention falls on Mitchell Lee Baker. The striker, who made his official national team debut in this match, scored a hat-trick in just 56 minutes before being substituted as part of planned player rotation.
This landmark debut does not only prove his clinical finishing in front of goal, but also displays the exact striker profile Indonesia has long required: a player who reads space effectively, dominates aerial duels, and converts chances efficiently.
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However, Baker was far from the only critical contributor behind this victory.
Operating behind Baker's three goals was Thom Haye, who delivered a masterful performance as the team's rhythm controller. Returning after a suspension, the Persib Bandung midfielder registered three assists on his comeback.
Two of these assists created Baker's goals, while the third once again showcased the elite passing vision that defines his game. The synergy between Haye and Baker has breathed new life into Indonesia's attack, as midfield creativity now finally has a reliable, effective final outlet.
Tactically, Herdman's intended playing philosophy is beginning to take visible shape. Indonesia pressed with far greater aggression when out of possession, while build-up play during possession was anchored through Thom Haye, supported by dynamic movement from the wide players.
Attacking variation also expanded noticeably: ranging from set piece routines, crossed deliveries, to intelligent off-the-ball runs that repeatedly collapsed Cambodia's defensive coordination.
Most notably, Herdman chose to observe the entire match from the spectator stands. This position granted him a wider vantage point to evaluate overall team structure, spacing between playing lines, pressing efficiency, and the full organisation of the attacking system.
This approach makes clear that victory over Cambodia was never just about the final scoreline - it formed part of the deliberate process of forging Indonesia's playing identity ahead of far more challenging opponents.
As the Indonesian National Team begins to show its new form at the 2026 AFF Cup, public attention is also fixed on the ongoing 2026 President's Cup, which has presented two contrasting narratives for Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta.
Persib have produced the most consistent convincing performances. Known as Maung Bandung, the club became the first side to confirm semi-final qualification following a 1-0 win over DPMM FC.
This result was achieved despite head coach Igor Tolic making multiple changes to his starting line-up, a clear sign that Persib have successfully developed genuine squad depth.
Off the pitch, Persib also became a national talking point after unveiling new signing Mariano Peralta via a creative social media clip that included a playful jab at their historic rivals Persija.
In contrast, Persija are still searching for their optimal playing system under Shin Tae-yong. Their opening match defeat means the upcoming fixture against Port FC has become a make-or-break clash to retain their semi-final qualification chances.
For Shin, this match is about more than just collecting three points: it will also test whether his players have begun to properly understand and implement the playing philosophy he is building.
These two separate tournaments share an overarching theme. The Indonesian National Team is finally laying solid foundations for its playing style through the Haye-Baker partnership under John Herdman's direction.
At club level, Persib have demonstrated reliable consistency as the first team to secure a President's Cup semi-final spot, while Persija are racing against time to establish their new identity with Shin Tae-yong.
All these ongoing developments will form the core discussion on the ITSMe Podcast, featuring football analyst Ronny Pangemanan, hosted by Raisha and Gilang Respaty live from ITSMe Jakarta Studio.
The conversation will not only break down Indonesia's dominant win over Cambodia, but also review Persib and Persija's progress in the 2026 President's Cup, and analyse what these trends mean for the wider competitive landscape of Indonesian football going forward.
