Jakarta, ThedailyID — Bangladesh media highlighted coach Thomas Dooley’s concerns after Bangladesh suffered a 9-2 defeat to Indonesia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 in Jakarta on Thursday, October 1.
The Daily Star reported that Dooley had already warned about the possibility of conceding several goals before the match. He said he could not predict the final goal difference, which could have been four, five or even six goals.
That concern became reality as Bangladesh struggled to match Indonesia’s pace and intensity. The Daily Star said Indonesia entered the match with a strong push to secure a place in the final.
The report also highlighted Indonesia’s aggressive approach from the opening minutes. The hosts immediately pressed Bangladesh and looked for goals to overcome Malaysia’s advantage in goal difference.
“Bangladesh struggled to cope with Indonesia’s quick movements and passing,” the Daily Star reported.
Indonesia eventually secured a 9-2 victory. The result left Indonesia and Malaysia level on a +9 goal difference.
Indonesia advanced because it scored more goals overall. Indonesia finished with 11 goals, while Malaysia had nine.
The result sent Indonesia through to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final. The Indonesian team will face Thailand in the final.
