Jakarta: Hosts Indonesia secured their spot in the semi-finals of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup™ 2025 on Monday as a 0-0 draw with Malaysia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium sealed pole position in Group A for Gerald Vanenburg’s side.
The Indonesians only needed a draw to confirm themselves as group winners after earlier victories over the Philippines and Cambodia, while the result means the Malaysians exit the competition due to the Philippines’ win over Brunei.
The home side dominated the opening exchanges without being able to breach the Malaysian defence and Rayhan Hannan’s volley from distance, which was comfortably gathered by Zulhilmi Sharani, was a rare attempt on target by either side.
Hannan threatened again in the 27th minute when he scampered down the right side of the penalty area although the pace of the covering Haqimi Rosli prevented the Indonesian midfielder from opening the scoring.
A long throw from Robi Darwis in first half injury time then caused panic in the Malaysian defence, only for Dony Pamungkas to slice his resulting volley well wide of the target.
Malaysia had been second-best throughout the opening 45 minutes but, four minutes after the restart, Aliff Izwan Yuslan went close to finding a way through. However, the winger was unable to put enough bend on his strike from the right to beat goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi.
Aliff Izwan went even closer a further four minutes later with a perfectly struck free kick from 35 yards that was flying towards goal before goalkeeper Cahya tipped the ball over the bar.
Jens Raven was denied by Zulhilmi at the other end moments later, the Malaysian goalkeeper using his feet to keep out the striker’s attempt from close range after an incisive run down the right by substitute Achmad Maulana.
Despite requiring all three points to maintain their hopes of a place in the knockout rounds, the Malaysians fell short and Indonesia advance.
Mandiri Player of the Match - Kadek Arel (#4), Indonesia
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