Indonesia's national futsal team secured a historic 5-3 victory over Japan in extra time during the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 semifinal, marking their first-ever final appearance. Coach Hector Souto shed emotional tears after the match, while Japan's coach Kensuke Takahashi praised Indonesia's strong chances against Iran in the final. The intense game took place at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on February 5, 2026.
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 semifinal between Indonesia and Japan unfolded dramatically at Indonesia Arena in Jakarta on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Indonesia's national futsal team, led by coach Hector Souto, took the lead with Samuel Eko's goal in the 12th minute, followed by an own goal from Japan's Takehiro Motoishi in the 23rd, making it 2-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Japan fought back with goals from Motoishi (31st minute) and Kazuya Shimizu (35th minute), leveling the score at 2-2. Indonesia regained the lead through Firman Ardiansyah in the 39th minute, but Japan forced extra time after Shimizu's penalty at the end of normal time, tying it 3-3.
In extra time, Reza Gunawan scored the decisive goal in the 45th minute, and Dewa Rizki sealed the 5-3 victory in the 48th. Japan missed a late penalty from Shimizu. Souto described it as the toughest match, instructing better ball possession in the second half. He broke down in tears afterward, dedicating the win to his family in Spain: “It is very hard to be away from family, and that is why I cried.”
Japan's coach Kensuke Takahashi acknowledged the pressure from over 10,000 Indonesian supporters affected his team: “We controlled the game at times, but the pressure from Indonesian fans was immense.” He praised Indonesia's performance and their chances in the final against Iran on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM WIB: “I think Indonesia has a good chance against Iran in the final.”
Football defender Shayne Pattynama, watching from the stands, called the win a form of revenge for Indonesia's football team's loss to Japan in the 2023 Asian Cup: “So now futsal first, and hopefully football next.” Souto expressed concern over the team's recovery, with only 48 hours before the final compared to Iran's longer rest, but remained optimistic with fan support.
This achievement builds on Indonesia's momentum after their gold at the 2025 SEA Games, marking significant progress for national futsal in Asia.
