Indonesia win to start home tournament, defeat Australia 2-1

Goals from Yahya Muhaimi and Ikhsan Tabrani saw Indonesia to a 2-1 win over Australia to start the 2025 Asia-Oceania Cup in Solo.

Augustine Murphy’s late goal for Australia to halve the deficit could not dampen the mood, as the defeated finalists from two years ago stuttered on their return to the regional stage.

Buoyed by a pro-Indonesia home crowd, the hosts started well, ultimately rewarded with the opening goal. A flowing team move ended with Muhaimi’s low drive into the bottom left corner, past Australian goalkeeper David Barber.

The second came after the break, Ikhsan Tabrani capitalising on an underhit Taj Lynch backpass, before rounding substitute goalkeeper Christian Tsangas and rolling into an empty net.

Australia pushed to get back into the game but left its run too late, with Alessandro La Verghetta and Connor Bunce combining to come close, before Murphy scored with almost the last kick of the game.

The final whistle sparked celebrations in the stands, with the Indonesian players serenaded by the local crowd. Yanuar Dhuma's team will prepare for Japan tomorrow, while Australia will face the same opponent a day later.