Three tactical moves to help Indonesia battle Cambodia in the 2026 AFF Cup.
Coach John Herdman has a superior squad at his disposal, along with the trio of key players Dony Tri, Thom Haye, and Oratmangoen, for the opening match of the 2026 AFF Cup.
The opening match of the Southeast Asian Championship (AFF Cup 2026) on Monday evening, July 27, 2026, marks the beginning of the Indonesian national team's campaign to conquer the title, with a home game against Cambodia. In every respect, coach John Herdman's team holds a significant advantage over their opponents.
The difference in class is clearly evident in the transfer value, with Indonesia's squad value being four times higher than their opponent's. Besides the home advantage, Indonesia also has a very relaxed mindset after Cambodia suffered a 1-2 defeat against Singapore in the first match. However, to translate this advantage into a resounding victory, coach John Herdman will need to rely on the three most important attacking players in his tactical scheme.
Dony Tri Pamungkas: High-speed drill bit in the wing corridor
Having matured significantly since his participation in the 2024 AFF Cup, Dony Tri Pamungkas has quickly become a preferred choice for coach John Herdman on the left wing. This young player possesses blistering speed and the ability to handle the ball skillfully in tight spaces.
Dony Tri's versatility offers many options as he can operate effectively in both full-back and winger positions. Besides his ball-winning ability and solid defensive support, Dony Tri is also a high-quality source of attacking support thanks to his accurate crosses. This mobility promises to be key in helping Indonesia exploit the gaps in Cambodia's right-back defense.
Thom Haye: The conductor who regulates and solves the deep-seated block problem.
Indonesia's midfield at this year's AFF Cup has received a significant upgrade in terms of quality with the arrival of Thom Haye. Despite having 17 caps for the national team and scoring 2 goals since his debut in early 2024, this marks the first time the experienced midfielder has participated in the region's biggest tournament.
Often described as the "orchestrator" of the game, Thom Haye brings sharp tactical vision and highly accurate ball distribution. He takes on the role of controlling the tempo of the match and maintaining balance between defense and attack. In particular, Haye's skills in set pieces and free kicks will be a powerful weapon for Indonesia to break the deadlock if Cambodia chooses a defensive, deep-lying style of play.
Ragnar Oratmangoen: Strength and versatility in attack
The perfect finishing touch in Indonesia's attacking trio is Ragnar Oratmangoen. Possessing excellent physical fitness and a modern approach to the game, Ragnar is an irreplaceable link in coach John Herdman's squad. Like his teammate Thom Haye, this striker is also about to experience the atmosphere of the AFF Cup for the first time.
Ragnar is a versatile forward who can play flexibly in many attacking positions, from center forward and winger to attacking midfielder. His record of 3 goals in 16 international matches is proof of his keen goal-scoring instinct. Not only does he directly threaten the opponent's goal, but Ragnar also constantly puts pressure on the opposing defense with his powerful runs and speed. The presence of this trio is expected to help Indonesia create a dominant game from the very first minutes.