The 2026 AFF Cup marks the first stage where John Herdman unveils the new face of the Indonesian National Team. As sunset approached, Pakansari Stadium in Bogor Regency transformed into a sea of red and white.
From on-site observations by ITSMe Reporter Syafira, thousands of supporters had filled every corner of the stands since early afternoon.
Indonesian national flags flew high, Garuda jerseys dominated the spectator areas, while chants of support echoed continuously ahead of Indonesia's opening Group A fixture against Cambodia.
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The Mitchell Baker-Thom duo were on fire during the Indonesian National Team's opening match at the 2026 AFF Cup.
The crowd that night did not only hope for Indonesia to claim three points. They also came to see how much of the playing identity Herdman has been building would translate onto the pitch.
They got their answer just six minutes after kick-off.
Thom Haye played a precise weighted pass into the penalty box. Mitchell Lee Baker got the jump on two Cambodian defenders before heading the ball past goalkeeper Kimhuy Hul.
Pakansari Stadium erupted instantly. Thousands of fans rose as one to celebrate Baker's first ever goal for the Indonesian National Team.
This moment set off a perfect debut night for the striker. Baker struck again in the 15th minute, finishing off a pass from Eliano Reijnders.
Early into the second half, he completed his hat-trick with another header, converting Thom Haye's second assist of the night in the 56th minute. Sandy Walsh later added a goal from a set piece, before Jens Raven sealed Indonesia's dominant 5-1 victory late in the match.
From the media tribune, ITSMe Reporter Syafira noted clear improvements compared to previous matches. Indonesia looked far more organised both in attack and defence.
High pressing was triggered immediately upon losing possession, while attacking build-up appeared far more structured with quick ball distribution from the midfield line.
For years, Indonesia has never lacked creative players. Thom Haye capably controlled the tempo of the match, while Eliano Reijnders constantly created space operating down the wing. But clinical finishing had long remained an unresolved issue. Against Cambodia, Baker delivered a convincing solution.
He was not the player with the most touches on the ball. Yet nearly every one of his movements was effective. Baker intelligently found gaps between opposition defenders, dominated aerial duels, and remained calm when converting chances.
His three goals, each finished with different techniques, demonstrated exactly the quality of a modern centre forward that the Indonesian National Team has long been missing.
Baker's performance also cannot be separated from Thom Haye's contributions. The midfielder was the engine of Indonesia's game, registering three assists while dictating the pace of all attacking moves.
His vertical passes repeatedly sliced open the Cambodian defence, creating clear scoring opportunities for Baker to finish.
This victory also showcased the playing identity that is starting to take shape under John Herdman. Indonesia pressed aggressively after losing possession, transitioned quickly into attacking phases, and effectively combined both open play and set piece attacks.
Notably, Herdman watched large portions of the match from the stands, in order to get a wider perspective on the team's shape, line spacing, and the effectiveness of the pressing system that had been the focus of their training camp.
"Tonight was all about implementing our tactical identity, and translating the work we have put in over the last three weeks onto the pitch. I am very happy with the players' performance, their effort, and the result we got," stated Herdman.
Baker himself described the night as an experience he will never forget.
"This is a dream come true. It's an incredible feeling. I could never be here without this team, the coaching staff, and every single person that has supported me," he said.
Scoring a hat-trick on his international debut puts Baker level with Vietnam striker Nguyen Dinh Bac at the top of the 2026 AFF Cup temporary top scorers list, both on three goals.
He recorded this feat in just 56 minutes of playing time, before being substituted as part of rotation plans ahead of the next fixture against Timor Leste in Chonburi, Thailand.
When the final whistle blew, the Indonesian players completed a lap of the pitch to thank the tens of thousands of supporters who remained in the stands long after the match ended.
From on-site observation by ITSMe Reporter Syafira, this victory carried far greater meaning than just three additional Group A points. Over 90 minutes, the Indonesian National Team displayed an increasingly clear playing direction under John Herdman.
Mitchell Baker may have only played one match so far, but that night in Pakansari has brought new hope: that Garuda may have finally found the striker capable of turning territorial dominance into goals, and convincing victories.
