Late Goals Seal Indonesia U-17 Win Over Afghanistan in 2025 Asian Cup

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The match between the Indonesia U-17 national team and Afghanistan in the third and final Group C match of the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup, in the early hours of Friday, April 11, 2025, ended with a score of 2-0. The two teams met at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In this match, the coach of the Indonesia U-17 national team, Nova Arianto, did not field the same starting lineup. He made changes to up to seven players. Evandra Florasta, who scored three goals in the previous two matches against South Korea (1-0) and Yemen (4-1), did not start the game. Zahaby Gholy and Fadly Alberto Hengga also began on the bench.

Without several key players, the performance of the Young Garuda squad was not as dominant as in the previous two matches. Indonesian U-17 players repeatedly made passing errors. On the other hand, Afghanistan managed to create several opportunities.

At the start of the second half, Evandra and Alberto, and Aldyansyah Taher came on from the bench. After an hour of the second half, Zahaby Gholy was also introduced.

The substitution of players changed the game for Indonesia, creating several scoring opportunities. However, the eagerly awaited goals only came in extra time of the second half through Fadly Alberto Hengga and Zahaby Gholy. The two goals were scored just a minute apart.

This result made Indonesia U-17 the Group C champion with a clean sweep of victories in all three matches, garnering nine points. South Korea secured the second position in the group standings after defeating Yemen 1-0 in the last game, courtesy of Kim Eun-Seong's goal.

Match Summary

First Half

The Indonesia U-17 national team immediately threatened Afghanistan's goal as the match entered the second minute. Team captain, I Putu Panji Apriawan successfully headed a corner kick from Fandi Ahmad. However, Panji's header went wide.

Just two minutes later, Panji had another chance. The 1.78-meter-tall center-back once again attempted a header towards the opponent's goal, but it sailed over the crossbar.

In the tenth minute, the Afghanistan U-17 team created a chance through a shot by Nazir Niazi. However, the ball heading towards the goal was caught by goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi.

Three minutes later, Indonesian player Fandi Ahmad, unmarked, took a shot from inside the penalty box. However, his left-footed shot was not on target.

In contrast to the two previous matches, the Indonesian U-17 team, without some key players, struggled to develop their game. Several times, the Young Garuda squad made passing errors, including when on the attack.

In the 39th minute, an Afghan player had an opportunity following an error by Indonesian defender Ida Bagus and goalkeeper Dafa, who passed the ball to the opponent. However, Waris Shirzai failed to capitalize on the chance.

Towards the end of the first half, Indonesia's defense came under attack. In the 42nd minute, Sayed Naveed took a shot from outside the penalty box. However, his effort was in vain. The ball heading towards the goal was caught by the goalkeeper Dafa. The first half ended with a goalless draw.

Second Half

Coach Nova made substitutions at the start of the second half. Evandra Florasta, Aldyansyah Taher, and Fadly Alberto replaced Putu Ekayana, Josh Holong, and Fandi Ahmad.

As the match entered the 50th minute, Afghanistan had an opportunity. Azamuddin Hajizada struck a low shot towards the Indonesian goal but was blocked by goalkeeper Dafa.

Three minutes later, the Young Garuda squad also had a dangerous chance. Rafi Rasyid, who had already escaped the offside trap, moved towards the Afghan goal. However, he fell when confronted by an Afghan defender.

The Afghanistan U-17 team again had an opportunity to score in the 59th minute. Waris Shirzai had escaped the offside trap. Goalkeeper Dafa, who moved forward to close the gap, was passed by Waris. However, the Afghan player's shot missed the target.

In the 68th minute, Nova brought in midfielder Zahaby Gholy to replace Ilham Romadhona. Gholy, who had just entered, received a yellow card for being deemed to have dived in the penalty box by the referee.

Alberto had a chance to score in the 75th minute. After receiving a through pass, he moved forward and managed to kick the ball over the goalkeeper, blocking him. However, the ball was cleared by an Afghan defender.

Indonesia's defense was also tested amid Young Garuda's offensive intensity. In the 85th minute, Nawid Mahboby unleashed a strong shot from the left side. However, the Afghan player's effort was saved by the goalkeeper Dafa.

Indonesia U-17 had another dangerous opportunity in the extra time of the second half. Daniel Alfirdo, who was in front of the goal, took a shot, but the ball still sailed high. At that moment, Daniel could have passed to Aldyansyah Taher, who was also in front of the goal.

In the 95th minute, Fadly Alberto scored a goal after receiving a through pass from Aldyansyah Taher. He managed to deceive the Afghan goalkeeper. Just a minute later, Zahaby Gholy increased the lead by taking advantage of an assist from Aldyansyah. The score changed to 2-0 in favor of Indonesia.

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