The Indonesian national team finished its training camp with a 1-1 draw against Bali United on Sunday at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali, as Kompas reported.
The closed-door friendly match served as an experimental fixture for head coach John Herdman to test squad depth and physical readiness during the November 2026 FIFA Matchday window. Arlyansyah Abdulmanan scored the opening goal for the national team after receiving a pass from Zanadin Fariz, while Remco Balk scored for Bali United, according to Compass.
The match grew tense in the second half when Alfahrezzi Buffon received a red card just five minutes after the restart, forcing the squad to play with 10 men for the remainder of the fixture. Jens Raven thought he had added a second goal from a penalty rebound after a goalkeeper save hit the post, but the referee disallowed it.
Tactical Experiments and Youth Evaluation
Coach Herdman used the fixture to monitor individual qualities by deploying an experimental lineup and utilizing flexible substitution rules that allowed players to return to the pitch after being substituted. Nusabali.com reported that Herdman tested Bali United player Tim Geypens in defensive midfield, a shift from his usual position as a left-back.
Herdman praised the performances of Arlyansyah and Zanadin following the match, noting their potential for the under-23 squad preparing for the SEA Games in Malaysia scheduled for September 18–29, 2027. Kompas reported that the coach highlighted their ability to control tempo and exploit space.
“According to me, they tried to control the tempo and run the match as we wanted,” John Herdman told Compass.
“They tried to pull the opponent, play by utilizing the space behind the defense, were quite courageous in attacking the central area, and tried to open space on the flanks at the right time,” Herdman added.
Coaching Staff Evaluates Squad Depth During Training Camp
Radar Cirebon reported that the rescheduling of international fixtures forced the coaching staff to alter preparation plans, prompting Herdman to use the Bali training camp to evaluate players who typically receive less playing time. The training camp runs through November 17, 2026.
“This is an opportunity for me to see firsthand several players who usually do not have the opportunity for me to monitor, as well as evaluate squad depth,” Herdman said, as Radar Cirebon reported.
Taisei Marukawa played aggressively on the wing, Noah maintained stability in defense, and goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata commanded the backline. Meanwhile, Shayne Pattynama logged more playing minutes than initially projected by the medical staff.
Questions About the Indonesia vs Bali United Friendly
Where did the Indonesian National Team play Bali United?
The closed-door friendly took place at the Stadion Kapten I Wayan Dipta in Gianyar, Bali, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, as Kompas reported.
Who scored the goals in the 1-1 draw?
Arlyansyah Abdulmanan scored for Timnas Indonesia following an assist from Zanadin Fariz, while Remco Balk scored the equalizer for Bali United, according to Compass.
What is the next major tournament for the evaluated under-23 players?
Head coach John Herdman is monitoring players like Arlyansyah Abdulmanan and Zanadin Fariz for the under-23 group preparing for the SEA Games in Malaysia, scheduled for September 18–29, 2027.
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