Indonesia U17 national team made a history qualified to FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 after beating Yemen U17 national team scoring 4-1 in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Group Stage, Group C at Prince Abdullah Faisal Stadium, Jeddah.
This triumphant win not only secured Indonesia’s spot in the quarter-finals but also marked their first qualification to the U17 World Cup, a milestone achievement for the Garuda Muda in their seventh appearance at the continental stage.
Indonesia looked hungry from the opening whistle and nearly took the lead in the 9th minute through Mierza Firjatullah, only for his close-range finish to be ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough came soon enough in the 15th minute when Zahaby Gholy capitalized on a poor clearance outside the penalty area, lashing in a thunderous strike to ignite celebrations among the traveling Indonesian supporters.
The floodgates opened in the 24th minute after another defensive lapse by Yemen allowed Gholy to slip a neat pass to Fadly Alberto, who sent a looping header over a helpless Wesam Al-Asbahi to double the lead.
Indonesia continued to threaten, with Putu Panji narrowly missing a third goal in the 31st minute, his header safely collected by the Yemeni keeper.
Yemen looked to respond and found a lifeline early in the second half. Captain Mohammed Al Garash converted a penalty in the 50th minute after Karem Abdulatif was brought down at the edge of the box by Panji.
Despite Yemen’s renewed aggression, Indonesia held firm, with defenders and goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi neutralizing waves of attacks led by Esam Al Sakkaf and Abdulatif.
Indonesia regained control late in the game. In the 85th minute, Al-Asbahi fouled Rafi Rasyiqa inside the box, and Evandra Florasta calmly converted the penalty to make it 3-1.
Just four minutes later, Florasta struck again—this time collecting a pass from Josh Holong and scoring on the rebound after his initial shot was blocked, capping a brilliant display and sealing Indonesia’s place in the next round.
This result sends Indonesia U17 into the AFC U17 Asian Cup quarter-finals for only the third time and, more significantly, earns them a historic ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025.
Previously semi-finalists in 1990, Indonesia’s current generation—led by Gholy and Florasta—has shown maturity, flair, and belief on the biggest stage.
With momentum on their side, Garuda Muda now look to write a new chapter in their football journey, with the quarter-finals up next and a World Cup debut on the horizon.
Credit Photo : AFC
