FIFA ASEAN Cup: Hidalgo, Bergson Back Malaysia to Rise to Indonesia Challenge

JAKARTA, Sept 26 – Harimau Malaya’s newly naturalized midfielder Manuel Hidalgo believes Malaysia possess the quality and resilience needed to challenge host nation Indonesia in their upcoming FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 1 Group A clash at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium on Monday.

The Argentina-born Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player acknowledged Indonesia’s strength but expressed firm confidence in the national squad’s ability to secure a positive outcome.

“Indonesia is a very strong side. Nobody can doubt that, but Malaysia are as well, so I take our chances. I think we need to focus on ourselves, try to do the best, and after, we will see what happens,” said Hidalgo, who earned his international debut during Malaysia’s 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their Group A opener at GBK on Friday.

The 27-year-old expressed deep pride in representing Malaysia on the international stage.

“It’s a very proud moment for me, for my family. Malaysia has given me everything, so to be able to give back some is amazing, so I cannot be happier, really,” Hidalgo added.

Echoing his teammate’s optimism, naturalized Brazilian forward Bergson da Silva affirmed that the Malaysian team has not traveled to Jakarta to buckle under the pressure of facing the host nation.

The 35-year-old striker, who marked his national debut with a goal against Bangladesh, stressed that Malaysia must capitalize on every tactical opportunity presented during Monday’s fixture.

“Every match will be difficult, as I said before. We know Indonesia’s strength, and they are playing at home in this tournament but as Malaysians, we need to focus on every chance that we have against them. We are not afraid of anyone, and we will keep going to achieve what we want. That is why we came to Jakarta, to play in matches like this,” Bergson said.

Both Malaysia and Indonesia currently hold three points following their respective opening-match victories. A win at GBK on Monday would provide either side with a crucial advantage in securing the group’s top spot and advancing to the tournament final.

Malaysia will conclude their Group A campaign against Singapore at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung on Oct 1, while Indonesia will wrap up their group fixtures against Bangladesh at GBK.

–NMT