Naturalized star of the Indonesian national team: 'We enjoy the victory, but only for a few days'

Young striker Mitchell Lee Baker expressed extremely special emotions after scoring a hat-trick, contributing to the Indonesian national team's 5-1 victory over Cambodia at Pakansari Stadium (Bogor) on July 27.

This was Indonesia's opening match in Group A, after not playing in the opening round on July 24, when the other four teams had already begun competing.

Mitchell Baker scored three goals in the 6th, 15th, and 56th minutes. Indonesia's other two goals were scored by Sandy Walsh (24th minute) and Jens Raven (86th minute).

Cambodia's only goal came from an own goal by goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata in the 48th minute.

Baker insisted that his three goals were the result of the team's collective effort, not merely individual achievement. He also believed that the victory over Cambodia would provide an important foundation for the Indonesian national team to focus on upcoming matches.

"We will enjoy this victory, but only for a few days before the next match. We have to keep working hard."

Along with his pride in his debut, Baker also admitted he was very impressed by the atmosphere at Pakansari Stadium, where tens of thousands of Indonesian fans came to support. The striker stated that the fans' encouragement throughout the 90 minutes was the best experience of his career.

"This stadium is amazing. The fans cheered passionately for the entire 90 minutes. This is the best experience I've ever had."

In this match, Baker scored a hat-trick with goals in the 6th, 15th, and 56th minutes, while Sandy Walsh and Jens Raven each added a goal, helping Indonesia secure a 5-1 victory.

This result provides a favorable start for the Indonesian national team in Group A of the 2026 AFF Cup before facing Timor Leste in Chonburi (Thailand) on July 31.

Mitchell Baker was born in 2006 in Australia. He grew up through the Melbourne Victory Academy before moving to the United States to play for Georgetown University and Vermont Green FC, as he currently does.

Thanks to his maternal grandparents both being Indonesian, Mitchell Baker's naturalization process was quick. His maternal grandfather was born in Yogyakarta, while his maternal grandmother came from Semarang in Central Java.

Speaking at the citizenship recognition ceremony, Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, who also serves as the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, stated that Mitchell Baker's naturalization aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance Indonesia's international sports achievements.