Ex-PSM Coach Reveals Three Keys for Indonesia to Beat Singapore at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026

Ahead of the opening match of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 between Indonesia and Singapore at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Friday (25/9/2026), former PSM Makassar coach Raja Isa Raja Akram Shah said the pressure is actually heavier on the hosts. According to him, hosting status and superior player quality on paper do not automatically guarantee a win over The Lions.

Raja Isa, who has spent 17 years in Indonesian football, warned that Singapore under Gavin Lee is not an opponent to be underestimated. The 36-year-old coach successfully led Singapore to the semifinals of the 2026 AFF Cup and qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup, an achievement that surprised many observers. "Gavin Lee is a smart young coach. He has plenty of tactics that make Singapore's performances extraordinary. He is the calm type of coach who always thinks carefully," said Raja Isa.

The former PSM coach then detailed three recipes for Indonesia to roll over Singapore. First, John Herdman's team must not be overconfident. "With everything they have, Indonesia must not be overconfident because football is very complex. Hosting status with good player material is no guarantee of becoming a great team," he stressed. He cited the experience of other tournaments where advantages on paper often fell apart on the pitch.

Second, Raja Isa highlighted the importance of discipline and tactics at the back. He did not question whether Herdman uses three or four defenders, but stressed that the defenders must be decisive and smart at reading the game, especially in anticipating Singapore's counterattacks. "The key is discipline and tactical play. Indonesia's defenders must be smart at reading the game. I think John Herdman knows that because he was tripped up by Singapore at the last AFF Cup," he said.

Third, Herdman is required to have sharp tactics with variations of play that the opponent has not yet seen. "John Herdman must see Gavin Lee as a threat. If he still uses the previous system, I think that will not be difficult for Gavin Lee and Singapore," said Raja Isa. According to him, Herdman's sharpness and precision in strategy will be the key to Indonesia's success.

"In Gavin Lee's hands, Singapore is heading toward another era of revival. With a squad mostly from the domestic league, he was able to blend it into a great team. Singapore plays neatly, calmly, and well planned." — Raja Isa

Raja Isa also mentioned a non-technical factor that makes Singapore tough: the mandatory military service rule imposed by the government. According to him, the discipline and high spirit of Singapore's players, such as Ilhan Fandi, are inseparable from that influence. "Singapore's players are sporting. They have discipline and high spirit. This is the influence of the mandatory military service rule," he added.

On the other hand, Indonesia is trying to restore supporters' trust after a series of unsatisfactory results, including the dismissal of Shin Tae-yong, the failure to reach the 2026 World Cup, and the performance at the 2026 AFF Cup. Raja Isa believes Herdman is rebuilding the fans' love, and supporter backing at SUGBK could be an extra strength. "I am sure that in the upcoming match the supporters will be a force to beat Singapore," he said.

For the Indonesian public, this match is not merely a proving ground at the regional level, but also a momentum to restore the passion for national football. A win over Singapore would be a positive signal that the Garuda squad is ready to compete on a higher stage. Conversely, a bad result could deepen doubts about the direction of the national team's development.

With all the dynamics at play, the big question is: can John Herdman craft the right strategy and avoid the overconfidence trap, or will Gavin Lee again prove that calmness and tactical intelligence can overcome superior material? The answer will be seen on the green pitch of SUGBK tonight.