Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  Indonesia’s U-23 team endured a frustrating start to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers after being held 0-0 by Laos in Group J’s opening match at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo, East Java, on Wednesday (3/9/2025).

“We created many chances but lacked precision in the final touch. The players must stay focused because qualification is still open,” said head coach Gerald Vanenburg after the match, as quoted by antaranwes.com.

The Garuda Muda dominated possession and pressed from the opening whistle, with early threats from Rayhan Hannan and Jens Raven, though a disallowed goal in the sixth minute set the tone for a night of missed opportunities. Substitutes Hokky Caraka and Ricky Pratama injected energy in the second half, yet Laos’ goalkeeper Kop Lokphathip repeatedly denied Indonesia’s strikes.

The draw left Indonesia with only one point, adding pressure ahead of their next group matches. Failure to secure wins could complicate their path to the continental tournament.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)