The Indonesian national team had a favorable start at the ASEAN Cup 2026 when they defeated Cambodia with a score of 5-1 in the opening match of Group A. After the match, coach John Herdman praised naturalized striker Mitchell Baker, and emphasized the efforts behind the process of bringing this player to the national team.
Mitchell Baker became the focus with a hat-trick right in his first match wearing the Indonesian national team jersey. The 19-year-old striker scored goals in the 5th, 14th and 55th minutes, while Sandy Walsh and Jens Raven also scored to complete the 5-1 victory. Cambodia's only goal came from an own goal by goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata.
Speaking after the match, coach John Herdman said that Indonesia still needs to stay focused instead of thinking about the road ahead too soon.
We always say that it is important to focus on each match. Today's goal is to show tactical identity and apply what the whole team has prepared in the past three weeks to this match," the English coach said.
Besides professional results, Mr. Herdman also highly appreciated the fighting spirit of his students.
I am satisfied with the performance, effort and attitude of the players. There is a real solidarity in the team. They fight together, play together and seem to be enjoying football," he shared.
Speaking about Mitchell Baker's impressive debut, the Indonesian head coach affirmed that the hat-trick was the result of a whole process of preparation, and thanked the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and the parties for supporting the completion of the naturalization procedures for the young striker.
I must send my sincere thanks to Mr. Erick Thohir, Chairman of PSSI, as well as the President of Indonesia for their support in bringing Mitchell Baker here and the great efforts to make this a reality," Herdman said.
He also gave special praise to his students: "Three goals right in the international debut, that was really a special moment.
Mitchell Baker was born in Melbourne (Australia), qualified to wear the Indonesian jersey through his mother and has just completed the process of naturalization before the ASEAN Cup 2026. The performance against Cambodia helped the 19-year-old striker make a strong impression, while opening up more options in coach John Herdman's attack in Indonesia's journey at the tournament.
