​Debutant Baker Hits Hat-Trick as Clinical Indonesia Thrashes Cambodia 5-1 in ASEAN Cup Opener

Mitchell Baker enjoyed a dream international debut, netting a spectacular hat-trick to propel Indonesia to a resounding 5-1 victory over Cambodia in their 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup Group A opener on Monday evening. Played under the lights, the dominant display handed new head coach John Herdman a perfect start to his regional tournament campaign.

The Garuda took control from the opening whistle, breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute when Baker turned home a brilliant cross. Nine minutes later, the naturalized forward doubled the hosts' advantage with a clinical finish inside the box. Midfielder Thom Haye pulled the tactical strings throughout the night, orchestrating the offense and racking up a magnificent hat-trick of assists. In the 24th minute, Haye’s pinpoint corner found defender Sandy Walsh, who powered home a thunderous header to make it 3-0 before the interval.

Cambodia offered a brief response early in the second half when a sharp counter-attack forced an own goal from Indonesian goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata in the 47th minute. However, the fightback was short-lived. Baker completed his historic hat-trick shortly after, clinical finishing another fine team move. Super-sub Jens Raven put the icing on the cake in the 86th minute, capitalising on a defensive blunder to tap into an empty net.

With three points and a commanding goal difference from their first fixture, Indonesia firmly establishes themselves as serious contenders. Herdman’s men will look to maintain this momentum on Friday when they face Timor-Leste.