TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Football analyst Mohamad Kusnaeni stated that Vietnam is expected to be the toughest opponent for Indonesia's U-23 national team in the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship.
The two teams will meet in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 08:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesia TIme).
Kusnaeni explained that Vietnam, in this year’s AFF U-23 tournament, is bolstered by many players with league experience, similar to Indonesia’s U-23 squad.
“In addition, several of their players are part of the senior Vietnam national team, such as Kuat Van Khang and Nguyen Von Truong,” said Kusnaeni, also known as Bung Kus, when contacted by Tempo on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
He predicted that Vietnam, reinforced by experienced and high-quality players, would not play defensively against Indonesia. “They are likely to engage in open play, attacking each other,” he said.
According to him, Indonesia will face a tougher challenge against Kim Sang-sik’s team compared to their previous matches against Malaysia and Thailand. In their final Group A match against Malaysia on July 21, Garuda Muda struggled to score, and the game ended in a goalless draw.
A similar scenario occurred in the semifinal against Thailand at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on July 25. Both teams drew 1-1 after 120 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout, which Indonesia won 7-6.
Regarding the upcoming final, Bung Kus said Gerald Vanenburg must anticipate a different style of play from what Indonesia faced in the matches against Malaysia and Thailand. This includes not only technical aspects but also mental readiness.
“For example, if we are constantly under pressure or concede the first goal,” he said.
He also emphasized that Gerald should prepare for Vietnam’s physical and aggressive style of play. He predicted Vietnam would play tough to disrupt Garuda Muda’s focus. Tough play is often used by visiting teams to relieve pressure.
“Especially since they are aware of the pressure from 70,000 home supporters,” Bung Kus added.
Furthermore, Kusnaeni stated that the match between Indonesia and Vietnam is balanced in terms of playing quality.
Therefore, it is reasonable for both teams to reach the final. “Hopefully, this time Indonesia can field a full squad so they can perform at their best and win,” he said.
Vietnam is the only team to have won the last two editions of the AFF U-23. In the 2023 edition, they defeated Indonesia in the final through a 6-5 penalty shootout after a goalless draw
Vietnam also holds the record for most AFF U-23 titles with two championships, while Indonesia has won the tournament once, in 2019, under coach Indra Sjafri.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia May Miss Three Key Players in AFF U-23 Cup Final vs Vietnam
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Police Deploy 1,252 Officers to Secure AFF U-23 Final at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno
1 jam lalu
Central Jakarta Police Chief said 1,252 personnel from the police, TNI, and Jakarta government have been deployed to secure the AFF U-23 Final at GBK.
Indonesia May Miss Three Key Players in AFF U-23 Cup Final vs Vietnam
1 jam lalu
Three Indonesian U-23 players - Toni Firmansyah, Arkhan Fikri, and Jens Raven - are doubtful for the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final against Vietnam.
Indonesia's U-23 Team's Chances Against Vietnam in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup Final
5 jam lalu
Indonesian U-23 national team is set to face Vietnam in the final match of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup at Jakarta, Tuesday, July 29, at 8:00 PM.
Indonesia U-23 National Team vs Vietnam: Gerald Vanenburg Must Be Careful
6 jam lalu
Professional journalist and translator are tasked to translate an article about the upcoming match between U-23 Indonesia and Vietnam in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final.
Indonesia on Passivity in Thailand-Cambodia War: 'Not Everything is Revealed to the Public'
6 jam lalu
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacts to criticism of Indonesia's passive stance in the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.
Prediction for Indonesia U-23 vs Vietnam in the AFF U-23 Cup 2025 Final Tonight
10 jam lalu
The Indonesia vs Vietnam duel will take place in the final match of the AFF U-23 Cup 2025. Vietnam has a good record against the Garuda squad.
Thailand U-23 Secures Third Spot After Defeating Philippines 3-1 in AFF Cup
11 jam lalu
In the fight for the third place in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup, the Thailand U-23 national team defeated the Philippines with a score of 3-1 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Bonus Awaits Indonesia's U-23 National Team if They Win the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup
11 jam lalu
Indonesian U-23 national team will receive a bonus from the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) if they win the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship.
Vietnam Coach Confident of Beating Indonesia in AFF U-23 Final
19 jam lalu
Kim Sang-sik assesses the preparations of the U-23 Vietnam national team to be going well and the players' performance continues to improve ahead of the final of the AFF U-23 Cup 2025.
Motivated Achmad Maulana Says Indonesia Ready for AFF U-23 Final vs Vietnam
19 jam lalu
Indonesian U-23 defender Achmad Maulana Syarif said the team is ready to face Vietnam in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final.
