Mitchell Baker's Perfect Debut: A Hat-Trick Ignites Garuda's Hopes

Nineteen-year-old striker Mitchell Lee Baker made an explosive debut for the Indonesian national team, scoring a hat-trick in their dominant 5-1 victory against Cambodia. The ASEAN Championship (AFF) 2026 opener, held at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, saw Baker immediately justify coach John Herdman's faith by opening the scoring in the sixth minute with a powerful header from a Thom Haye free-kick.

Baker's impressive performance continued as he added two more goals before halftime, securing a commanding 3-0 lead for the "Garuda." His active presence on the field, ability to create space, win aerial duels, and serve as the focal point of Indonesia's attacks, demonstrated the qualities of a modern forward.

The hat-trick not only made Baker the standout player of the opening match but also instilled significant confidence in the Indonesian team as they begin their tournament campaign. At such a young age, Baker's debut signals a bright future for Indonesia's forward line, offering a new, promising option capable of driving the team's success in the Southeast Asian competition.