Dimas Wicaksono scores twice as Indonesia thrashes Myanmar 3-0 in AFF U-19 opener

Dimas Wicaksono Putra Rahman proved to be the game-changer for the Indonesian U-19 national team, scoring two goals after coming on as a second-half substitute to secure a decisive 3-0 victory over Myanmar in their opening match of the AFF U-19 Championship. The Group A match took place at the North Sumatra Grand Stadium in Deli Serdang.

The win propelled Garuda Muda to three points, placing them at the top of Group A alongside Vietnam, who also achieved a 3-0 win against Timor Leste in their previous game. From the outset, Nova Arianto's squad displayed dominance, controlling the game and repeatedly pressuring Myanmar's defense through the efforts of Reno Salampessy, Fabio Azkairawan, and Arkhan Kaka.

Despite their control, Indonesia only managed to break the deadlock in the 39th minute. Arkhan Kaka capitalized on a long pass from the backline, skillfully lifting the ball over the advancing Myanmar goalkeeper, Sai Khant Min Nyo, to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

In the second half, Indonesia maintained their tempo. Myanmar attempted to push forward, but the Garuda Muda's defense effectively thwarted their attacks. The introduction of Dimas Wicaksono by coach Nova Arianto proved to be a strategic masterstroke. Wicaksono doubled Indonesia's lead in the 78th minute after capitalizing on a critical error in Myanmar's defense, followed by another goal in the 87th minute, sealing the 3-0 victory.