August 19, 2025 | 03:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian U-17 national team failed to secure the 2025 Independence Cup after a 1-2 defeat to Mali in the final at North Sumatra’s Main Stadium on Monday night, August 18, 2025.
Despite the loss, Indonesia still earned recognition when Dafa Al Gasemi was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Dafa stood out as the most impressive goalkeeper of the competition. The young player from Dewa United played a key role in Indonesia’s defense across his three appearances. He produced crucial saves when the Garuda Muda held Tajikistan to a 2-2 draw in the opening match and kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.
In the decisive clash against Mali, Dafa once again displayed his talent. Without his strong performance between the posts, Indonesia might have suffered a heavier defeat.
Mali went on to claim the 2025 Independence Cup title. Under the leadership of Adama Diallo, the team completed the tournament with a perfect record. Their captain, Tiemoko Berthe, was named Player of the Tournament for his commanding role in defense.
N’djicoura Raymond Bomba finished as the top scorer with four goals. He netted a hat-trick in Mali’s 5-1 win over Uzbekistan and added another in the 4-2 victory against Tajikistan, although he was unable to score in the final against Indonesia.
For Indonesia, Fadly Alberto was the top scorer with two goals, while Mierza Firjatullah, Dimas Adi Prasetyo, and Muhamad Al Gazani each contributed one.
Although Nova Arianto’s side did not win the tournament, the three matches provided valuable preparation for the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November.
Indonesia has been placed in Group H alongside Brazil, Honduras, and Zambia. Nova is expected to use the Independence Cup as a reference in finalizing the squad’s best composition.
Individual Awards – 2025 Independence Cup
Player of the Tournament: Tiemoko Berthe (Mali)
Top Scorer: N’djicoura Raymond Bomba (Mali, 4 goals)
Best Goalkeeper: Dafa Al Gasemi (Indonesia)
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