A Clash of Diaspora Soldiers: When the Women's National Team Sees Pakistan Become the "Winner"

The qualification for the 2026 Asian Cup has concluded. The Indonesian women's national football team has failed to qualify for the tournament for two consecutive editions. In addition to highlighting the urgency of establishing a women's football league, the participation of "Garuda Pertiwi" also raises questions regarding the effectiveness of diaspora players.

Indonesia arrived at the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers with seven diaspora players, six of whom have been naturalized. The "Garuda Pertiwi" squad, marked by its diaspora, became a focal point for opponents throughout the qualifiers, including Taiwan, which is the strongest team in the group and ultimately also qualified for the Asian Cup.

During the match against Kyrgyzstan on June 29, 2025, the Indonesian diaspora players indeed showcased their quality. Isa Warps, in particular, demonstrated his individual skills on the field several times. Not only that, the NAC Breda player, from the second division of the Dutch League, became the solution to the stagnant attacking line by scoring the winning goal for Indonesia, 1-0.

On June 10, 2025, Isa, along with Felicia de Zeeuw, Iris de Rouw, and Emily Nahon, was naturalized as Indonesian citizens. The four players also made their starting debut against Kyrgyzstan.

However, it can be said that the real test lies in the next match, which is against Pakistan on July 2, 2025. In addition to determining Indonesia's next steps in the Asian Cup, Pakistan is a worthy opponent for the "battle" of the diaspora soldiers.

Pakistan has summoned at least nine diaspora players, six of whom are new, with professional experience in European leagues. In this diaspora calling program, they are facilitated by the Pakistan Citizenship Act of 1951, which allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship.

In April 2025, Pakistan enacted the Citizenship Bill (Amendment) 2024, which allows citizens to hold dual citizenship with 22 other countries, one of which is the United Kingdom.

One of the diaspora players called up is Layla Banaras, a player of Pakistani-British descent. When facing Indonesia, this former academy and youth team player of the English club Birmingham City showcased her quality on the field. Banaras became a solid defensive barrier, difficult for Indonesian players to penetrate.

In addition, there is Aqsa Mushtaq who is currently strengthening OFI Crete Women FC (Greece). This player, who also holds British and Pakistani citizenship, has experience playing with Napoli (Italy), Lewes FC (England), as well as Rochester United and Lenoir-Rhyne Bears (United States).

There is also Mariam Mahmood, a forward for the English club West Bromwich Albion, and Zeeuana Jivraj, a goalkeeper for Northern Colorado Women’s FC in the United States. Zeeuana Jivraj, who repeatedly thwarted Indonesia's chances, previously played in the top league in Portugal with Clube de Albergaria.

Against Indonesia, Pakistan fielded six diaspora players as starters. Besides Banaras and Jivraj, who were solid in defense, Mushtaq and Mahmood were also dangerous in attack. Pakistan's second goal against Indonesia came from Mahmood's effort through the penalty box before being brought down by Indonesian defender Emily Nahon.

Indonesia fielded all new naturalized players, except for Isa. When entering the second half, Isa was unable to make much of an impact. The same goes for Iris, Emily, and Felicia. Emily even missed the ball several times, resulting in opportunities for Pakistan.

Pakistan finally won 2-0 against Indonesia. This victory not only opened up their chances for the Asian Cup but also allowed Pakistan to triumph in the contest with another team featuring diaspora players.

Pakistani media, Geo News, said that calling up the diaspora was a strategic step taken by the Pakistani women's national team to appear in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers. This decision is understandable considering the current chaotic condition of Pakistani football.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has been sanctioned by FIFA several times, one of which was due to its failure to adopt constitutional amendments to ensure fair and transparent elections. It was only in March that FIFA officially lifted the sanctions against the PFF.

As a result of the sanction in the form of suspension, domestic competitions have come to a halt, both for men and women. The football players only participate in tournaments held once a year.

Compared to Indonesia, the condition of domestic football can be considered more stable. However, the women's football league has yet to commence since the completion of its first edition in 2019.

The program for calling up diaspora players and naturalization began in June 2024. This program started with the naturalization of Noa Leattomu and Estella Loupatty in November 2024.

Both players were immediately brought by coach Satoru Mochizuki to the 2024 AFF Cup in Laos. There is also Sydney Sari Hopper, a player of Indonesian-American descent, who already possesses an Indonesian passport, thus eliminating the need for naturalization.

At the 2024 AFF Cup, Sydney Sari Hopper excelled in Indonesia's attacking line. Sydney contributed one goal in the 3-1 victory over Cambodia. She was part of the team that won the tournament.

After the AFF Cup 2024, Sydney strengthens the U-19 team competing in the ASEAN Championship 2025. The 18-year-old player also helped Indonesia achieve third place.

The name Sydney has once again been included in the squad for the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers. However, she did not play at all in the three matches that the women's national team participated in.

Coach Satoru Mochizuki stated that Sydney's physical condition is not yet optimal after strengthening the U-19 team and his club, the Dallas Baptist Patriots. According to Mochizuki, every player indeed goes through phases of ups and downs, but he hopes the player can quickly return to his best condition when his performance declines.

Mochizuki assessed that the four newly naturalized players have already shown good performance. However, the appearances of Isa, Iris, Felicia, and Emily have not yet met the expectations of this Japanese coach. "They have more ability than this, I hope that in the future they can demonstrate their best performance," he stated.

Although PSSI is reluctant to refer to it as a shortcut to achieving success, the effort to call upon the diaspora gives such an impression amid domestic development that has not yet fully progressed. PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir stated that the diaspora program is a short-term measure to boost the national team's performance.

Moreover, Erick stated that the women's national team is open to anyone, including young players and those from the diaspora. The path of naturalization is taken due to the limited pool of player talent, the same reason that has caused the Women's League to not resume yet.

With this mindset, it is reasonable that high hopes and expectations rest on the shoulders of the diaspora players, including coach Mochizuki. It is also understandable that when they are unable to demonstrate their best performance or are even not fielded, various questions arise.

This issue arose when Noa Leatomu was not played at all in the AFF Cup 2024. Meanwhile, Estella Loupatty, who was naturalized alongside him, has already made her debut in the tournament with the national team.

Mochizuki stated that his squad indeed has good diaspora players, but local players also possess potential. Therefore, they compete with each other to secure a place in the squad.

Although it opens competition without regard to diaspora or local players, this choice raises further questions. If indeed diaspora players are the ones needed by the team, called up and naturalized according to the needs and approval of the coach, why are there players who have never been played at all?

Noa has only played during friendly matches, not in tournaments. When four newly naturalized players made their debut in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers, Noa was still not played.

When the effectiveness of the presence of diaspora players in this squad should be re-evaluated, PSSI is instead planning to add three more players for naturalization. "There are three female players and one male player (who will be naturalized). I have sent a letter to the Minister of Youth and Sports. The Minister is also very open," said Erick after the match against Pakistan.

The three players referred to by Erick Thohir have already joined the national team training ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers. They are Isabelle Nottet, Pauline van de Pol, and Isabel Kopp.

The star player of the national women's team, Claudia Scheunemann, once stated that the naturalization program could potentially strengthen the squad. However, if domestic football and its players are not given attention, it will also be difficult to expect the development of women's football.

"Without a league, Indonesian players living in Indonesia can't progress; their abilities are stuck there. Even if they have talent, without a league, they won't be able to advance. They have to go abroad, find another league to develop," Claudia told Kompas TV in mid-June.