Bangladesh Coach Thomas Dooley Admits Slim Chances Against Indonesia at SUGBK

Bangladesh national team coach Thomas Dooley admitted his side faces a tough challenge when they take on Indonesia in the opening match of Group A of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday (25/9/2026). In a press conference a day before the match, he openly said Bangladesh's chances of stealing a win were very slim.

Dooley is no stranger to Southeast Asian football. He previously coached the Philippines in 2014–2018 and returned in 2022. With The Azkals, he recorded an unbeaten record against Indonesia: a 4-0 win at the 2014 AFF Cup in Hanoi and a 2-2 draw in the 2016 edition in Bocaue. However, he stressed that those conditions could not be used as a reference for tomorrow's match.

"I was just talking to my captain before we came in about the game we played against Indonesia about eight years ago. And, we beat Indonesia 4-0. We dominated almost every square meter of that field and it was a very, very exciting game. I think it was the first time we won against Indonesia," Dooley said on Thursday (24/9/2026).

Despite holding fond memories, Dooley is not sure he can repeat them with Bangladesh. According to him, Indonesia's strength is now vastly different, especially with the presence of a number of naturalized players reinforcing almost every line. He highlighted names such as Kevin Diks, Emil Audero Mulyadi, and Calvin Verdonk, who play in top European leagues.

"The presence of many naturalized players has changed the Garuda Squad. Now, it is clearly very different. And, first of all, it is not because it is Bangladesh, but I think it is because of the skills and the players Indonesia currently has. So it is a very difficult team to beat," he added.

Dooley's statement reflects how perceptions of the Indonesian national team have changed in the regional scene. The presence of diaspora and naturalized players has not only improved technical quality, but also mentality and competitiveness. Indonesia is now seen as one of the forces to be reckoned with in Southeast Asia, even Asia.

For Bangladesh, this match will be a tough test. Dooley said he had prepared the team as best as possible, but he is realistic about the individual quality Indonesia possesses. "This is a very difficult match to play against Indonesia because they have some players from the Netherlands, from Germany. So it is a very, very different team from when I played against them. So, I think we have no chance," he said.

The statement is also a signal to the Indonesian football public that high expectations are now placed on the Garuda squad. The pressure to achieve maximum results in this tournament is also growing. However, on the other hand, this shows that investment in player development and naturalization is starting to earn recognition from opponents.

Going forward, the match against Bangladesh will be an early benchmark for Indonesia's consistency under the current coach. Can the Garuda prove that their favorite status is not just talk? The answer will be seen on the green pitch of SUGBK tonight.