The Indonesia U-17 national team is set to showcase their skills in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, kicking off their Group C campaign with a challenging opener against the highly favored South Korea U-17 squad.
This opening match is scheduled to take place at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah on Friday night (April 4, 2025, WIB). For Garuda Asia, it’s a tough start as they face one of the tournament’s strongest contenders right out of the gate.
Indonesia U-17 head coach Nova Arianto acknowledged that South Korea U-17 presents the toughest challenge in the group.
“South Korea U-17 is the strongest team in our group. My players have been preparing thoroughly, both mentally and tactically,” said Nova.
“I’m confident they are ready to take on this match and I hope they can give their best performance on the field,” he added.
Key Players for Indonesia U-17
The last meeting between Indonesia U-17 and South Korea U-17 took place in a friendly match on August 30, 2023, at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi. The game ended in a narrow 0-1 defeat for Garuda Asia.
Reaching the quarterfinals is the main target for Indonesia in this tournament. To achieve that, Zahaby Gholy and his teammates must finish in the top two of Group C.
Progressing to the quarterfinals would open the door for a potential ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held in Qatar.
Coach Nova Arianto has selected 25 players to represent Indonesia at the tournament, including several key names such as Muhammad Zahaby Gholy, Mathew Baker, Evandra Florasta, and I Putu Panji Apriawan.
Other notable players include Muhammad Mierza Firjatullah, Alberto Hengga, Josh Holong, Fabio Azka Irawan, and Dafa Al Gasemi, who are all trusted to strengthen the squad.
Praise from the South Korea U-17 Coach
Although South Korea U-17 is favored to top Group C, their head coach Back Ki-tae expressed his respect for the Indonesian team.
“Indonesia U-17 is one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia,” said Back Ki-tae.
“Their strength lies in their well-organized defense, combined with attacking play that relies on outstanding individual skills.”
“We need to be fully prepared. Our football philosophy, known as ‘Made in Korea,’ emphasizes quick, brave, and focused play. We believe this approach will help us develop a more dynamic and aggressive playing style,” he added.
Predicted Lineups Both Teams For AFC U-17 Asian Cup
South Korea U-17 (4-3-3):
Park Do-hun; Kim Min-chan, Kim Do-yeon, Kim Cha-nil, So Yoon-woo; Lee Su-yoon, Kim Ji-sung, Park Byeong-chan; Jung Hee-jung, Kim Ye-geon, Jang Woo-sik
Coach: Back Ki-tae
Indonesia U-17 (4-3-3):
Dafa Al Gasemi; Putu Panji, Ida Bagus, Dafa Zaidan, Mathew Baker; Evandra Florasta, Nazriel Alfaro, Fardan Farras; Zahaby Gholy, Mierza Firjatullah, Fadly Alberto
Coach: Nova Arianto
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