The U’s booked their place at the national for the Sky Bet League One play-off final after beating Peterborough 2-1 over two games.
Des Buckingham’s side travelled the London Road stadium with a 1-0 advantage over the Posh from the first leg of the semi-final meaning the U’s only needed a draw to move.
A penalty from Cameron Brannagan at the end of the first half was enough for a 1-1 draw on the night meaning the U’s will now face Bolton in the final for a chance for promotion to the Championship.
The U’s have not been in the second tier of English football since the 1998/99 season after missing out to Wycombe Wanderers in the 2019/20 play-off final.
That play-off final was played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic meaning the last time U’s fans cheered on their side at Wembley was in the 2016/17 in a 2-1 loss to Coventry in the Checkatrade Trophy final.
Last month marked five years since Mr Bakrie joined the United board as a director, with his involvement growing in September 2022, when he and fellow Indonesian investor Erick Thohir took a controlling 51 per cent stake in the club.
Mr Bakrie said: “Alright Oxford, it is 4am in the morning in Indonesia and thanks to you all we are going to go to Wembley.”
“Congratulations to the squad, the manager, to the fans, community, the management and now all the hard work will come to May 18 in Wembley.
“I will see you there. Come on you Yellows.”
We’re going to Wembley!
Congrats @OUFCOfficial for the hard fought battle tonight. #coyy pic.twitter.com/WW63ddjQw9
— Anindya N. Bakrie (@anindyabakrie) May 9, 2024
Around 1300 Oxford United fans were at the game with Trevor Lambert, OxVox secretary, praising the team for progressing into the play-off final.
He said: “It was a nail-biting evening for all involved, but the team stuck to their task and we find ourselves 90 minutes away from possible promotion to the Championship.
“It is a tribute to Des Buckingham and his backroom team, to the players, and to the fans and board.
“Whatever happens at Wembley, it’s been an exhilarating season mixing highs and lows, and the future is bright for the club on and off the field.
“Over the summer we hope that the right decisions will be taken to allow the club to begin the process of relocating to a new and modern community stadium home.”
The Oxford United Supporters Panel said: “The Team: players, coaches, medical staff, behind-the-scenes teams, and these fans.
“This is what has got us to Wembley for the EFL League 1 playoff final.”
Anneliese Dodds MP for Oxford East said: “Can’t wait! Well done to Oxford United for finishing the job against Peterborough tonight .”
Oxfordshire County councillor Liam Walker said: “What a team. What a game. What a time. See you in Wembley.”
Cherwell District councillor Nicholas Mawer said: “Looking forward to the chance of watching Championship football at the Triangle soon. A team for all of Oxfordshire. Good luck in the final!”
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