August 18, 2025 | 09:41 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Facing Mali, Indonesia U-17 head coach Nova Arianto opted for his strongest lineup in a 5-2-3 formation. He placed three central defenders consisting of I Putu Panji, Algazani Dwi Sugandi, and Eizar Jacob, supported by wing-backs Fabio Azka Irawan on the right and Mathew Baker on the left.
In midfield, Nazriel Alvaro and Evandra Florasta acted as anchors while also directing Indonesia’s build-up play. They provided support to the front three of Dimas Adi Prasetyo, Faldy Alberto Hengga, and Mochammad Mierza Firjatullah.
On the Malian side, coach Adama Diefla Diallo lined up his team in a 4-4-2 formation. N'Djicaura Raymond Bomba, the tournament’s standout with four goals, partnered with Zoumana Ballo up front.
The game immediately unfolded at a high tempo. Indonesia attempted to press, but struggled against Mali’s speed and fluid play, which allowed the African side to dominate possession. Indonesia’s offensive efforts were frequently cut off, as Mali effectively isolated Mierza Firjatullah.
Mali carved out the first chance in the sixth minute when Zoumana Ballo connected with a cross from N'Djicoura Bomba, but his powerful strike was blocked by Indonesian goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi. In the 13th minute, Mahamadou Traore unleashed a long-range effort, only for Dafa to tip it away.
Three minutes later, Ibrahim Diakite broke into the penalty box for a clear shot, but once again Dafa came to Indonesia’s rescue.
The resistance finally broke in the 22nd minute. Exploiting space down Indonesia’s right flank, Bomba swung in a cross that Ballo met with a decisive header, beating Dafa to give Mali a 1-0 lead.
Mali doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when Seydou Dembele fired from distance, and this time the Indonesian goalkeeper was unable to keep it out.
Indonesia national team pulled one back in the 37th minute. From a long throw-in by Fabio Azka, the ball sailed toward the goalmouth, where Faldy Alberto, left unmarked, nodded it past the Malian keeper to make it 2-1.
Lineup Indonesia vs Mali
Indonesia: Dafa Al Gasemi Setiamarwan; Fabio Azka Irawan, I Putu Panji, Algazani Sugandi, Eizar Jacob, Mathew Baker; Nazriel Alvaro, Evandra Florasta; Dimas Adi Prasetyo, Faldy Alberto Hengga, Mochammad Mierza Firjatullah
Coach: Nova Arianto
Mali: Lamine Sinaba; Issa Kone, Mahamadou Konate, Samba Konare, Tiemoko Berthe, Aboubacar Camara, Ibrahim Diakite, Mahamadou Traore, Seydou Dembele, N'Djicoura Bomba, Zoumana Ballo
Coach: Adama Diefla Diallo
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