Jakarta – indonesia’s national futsal team is poised for a pivotal semifinal match against Japan this Thursday,February 5th,at the Indonesia Arena,marking the nation’s first-ever appearance at this stage of the AFC Futsal Cup [[1]]. The highly anticipated contest offers Indonesia a chance to avenge a narrow 3-2 defeat to Japan in the 2022 quarterfinals, a result that sent the Japanese team on to claim the tournament championship [[2]].Following a hard-fought quarterfinal victory against Vietnam, Coach Hector Souto’s squad now aims to continue their historic run and secure a coveted spot in the final [[3]].
Jakarta –
Indonesia will seek revenge against Japan in a highly anticipated semifinal clash at the 2026 AFC Futsal Cup. The teams last met in a dramatic contest during the 2022 edition of the tournament, a match Japan ultimately won.
The Indonesian national futsal team faces Japan on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta. This marks a historic occasion for the Indonesian squad, as they have reached the semifinal stage of the AFC Futsal Cup for the first time ever.
Head coach Hector Souto’s team advanced to the semifinals after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Vietnam in the quarterfinal round. Now, they aim to continue their record-breaking run and secure a spot in the final.
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However, Japan presents a significant challenge to Indonesia’s championship aspirations. The Japanese team cruised to the semifinals with an impressive 6-0 win over Afghanistan in the quarterfinal.
Japan boasts a strong pedigree in the AFC Futsal Cup, having claimed the title four times previously.
Their last encounter in the AFC Futsal Cup saw Japan edge out Indonesia 3-2 in a thrilling quarterfinal match in 2022. Despite a valiant effort, Indonesia narrowly missed out on advancing.
Indonesia took an early lead through Samuel Eko, but Japan responded with goals from Kanzawa and Pires to take the lead.
Sauqi Syauq had a golden opportunity to equalize, breaking free and facing the Japanese goalkeeper, but he unselfishly played the ball out of bounds after a Japanese player suffered an injury.
Japan extended their advantage with a goal from Mizutani, before Indonesia pulled one back through Dewa Rizki.
Rio Pangestu thought he had secured a late equalizer, but the goal was disallowed due to time expiring as the ball crossed the line.
Indonesia was eliminated in heartbreaking fashion, while Japan went on to win the championship that year.
Indonesia will be determined to avenge that painful defeat when they face Japan in the 2026 semifinal, hoping to rewrite the script and advance to the final.
(pur/krs)
