Persib Stars Send Motivation to Indonesia Ahead of FIFA ASEAN Cup Final
Indonesia’s qualification for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 final has been welcomed by football fans across the country, including several professional players. Persib Bandung duo Dedi Kusnandar and Teja Paku Alam have both expressed their support for the national team ahead of the decisive clash.
Indonesia secured the final spot in the tournament’s championship match in dramatic fashion after a closely fought race with Malaysia. Despite finishing level on points, Indonesia advanced to the final by virtue of their superior goal difference.
Persib midfielder Dedi Kusnandar believes Indonesia’s qualification presents a major opportunity for the national team to finally shake off their long-standing reputation as Southeast Asia’s perennial runners-up.
“It’s certainly great news for Indonesian football. We know that we are often called the ‘kings of runners-up’,” said the player wearing the No. 11 shirt.
Dedi also sees the final as an opportunity for Indonesia to establish themselves as the true powerhouse of Southeast Asian football. The two nations have faced each other several times in high-profile matches, but this occasion carries added significance with Indonesia enjoying home advantage.
“This is our opportunity to make history and prove that we can become the number one team in ASEAN,” said the Jatinangor-born midfielder.
Asked about Indonesia’s chances of lifting the trophy, Dedi, who is better known as Dado, remains optimistic that the Garuda squad can go all the way.
He believes Indonesia’s confidence is high followi
