Indonesia U17 National Football Team Secures Victory in Friendly Match Against India
The Indonesia U17 National Football Team achieved a victory against the India U17 National Football Team in a friendly match held last Sunday (August 25, 2024). The match took place at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali.
In the match, Coach Nova Arianto fielded a starting line-up of 11 players in a 4-4-2 formation.
The line-up included Aldi and Mierza as forwards, Daniel and Gholy as right and left-wingers, Evandra and Lee in central midfield, Zaidan and Fabio as right and left backs, Panji and Baker as central defenders, and Dafa as the goalkeeper.
Preparation for the 2025 U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers
This friendly match was part of Indonesia U17's preparation for the upcoming 2025 U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from October 19-27, 2024, in Kuwait. In the qualifiers, Indonesia will be in the same group as Australia, Northern Mariana Islands, and host nation Kuwait.
The team, led by Coach Nova Arianto, emerged victorious in the friendly match against India with a final score of 3-1 in favor of Indonesia. According to Coach Nova, this match was part of the selection process for players who will later undergo a training camp in Spain as a further step in preparation for the 2025 U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuwait this October.
Indonesia U17's victory began with a penalty goal scored by Evandra Florasta. The penalty was awarded after Mierza Firjatullah, Indonesia's forward, was fouled in the penalty box by an Indian defender.
Despite the 1-0 lead, the India U17 team continued to press forward. Early in the second half, India's striker, Vishal Yadav, nearly scored with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the goal.
Shortly after, the Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) team launched a counterattack from the left corner, which was initially deflected by the Indian goalkeeper. However, with sharp precision, Fandi Ahmad managed to score Indonesia’s second goal with a powerful shot directed to the far post of the Indian goal.
Following Indonesia's second goal, India responded by narrowing the score to 2-1 with a goal from Indian midfielder Levis Zangminlun.
Indonesia's third goal came from Mierza, who capitalized on a through pass from Alberto. The goal was unstoppable for India’s goalkeeper, Aheibam Suraj Singh.
Read also: Marteen Paes: The Dutch-Born Goalkeeper Ready to Strengthen Indonesia’s National Football Team
Looking Ahead
This victory is a positive start for the Indonesia U17 team's preparation for the upcoming 2025 U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Coach Nova highlighted that the players have developed a good understanding of one another and have grasped the tactics and strategies he implemented.
However, there are still some details to refine and areas to evaluate, especially those identified during the AFF tournament, which Coach Nova and his staff will address in training.
The next friendly match is scheduled for Tuesday (August 27, 2024) at 18:00 WITA at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali.
The Indonesian public is hopeful that the Garuda Muda will maintain their consistency and enthusiasm as they continue their preparation for the 2025 U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
