The Positive Start of “Young Garuda Pertiwi” and Victory Isn't Everything

Just as defeat is not the end of the world, victory is not everything. More than just a matter of winning or losing, the match provides lessons and meaning. For the Indonesian U-16 women's football team, this is what they gained when facing Timor Leste in their opening match at the 2025 ASEAN Women's Championship.

The Indonesian U-16 women's football team players expressed their joy after Nasywa Salsabila Fatah scored the first goal against Timor Leste in the 14th minute. In the Group A match of the 2025 ASEAN Women's Championship held at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta, Central Java, on Wednesday (20/8/2025), Nasywa initiated a goal parade against Timor Leste, culminating in a 6-0 victory.

This is a positive result for Indonesia at the beginning of the tournament involving 12 Southeast Asian countries. Moreover, in addition to achieving victory and scoring many goals, the players were also able to showcase their best abilities, something that was initially a concern for the U-16 women's team coach, Timo Scheunemann.

"What I am concerned about is that their abilities do not come out. I know their capabilities, especially since they (made it through the U-16 team) via a rigorous selection process; we searched in 16 locations to find players who could perform as they did earlier. (It turns out) their individual skills, combinations, rebounds, and breakthroughs all emerged," said Timo.

The match against Timor Leste was a showcase for these young players. Nasywa, playing in an unnatural position, excelled as a center forward, producing effective finishing. Bolstered by her individual prowess and strong teamwork, Nasywa completed a hat trick (14', 23', and 36' minutes).

Identical twins, Jazlyn Kayla Firyal (20’) and Jezlyn Kayla Azkha (26’), also showcased their abilities. Jazlyn, who provided an assist for Indonesia's first goal, even scored a goal through a free kick.

With a left-footed kick, Jazlyn sent the ball sliding into the goal of Timor Leste, leaving goalkeeper Viviane unable to anticipate it. Then, Syafia Tristalia Chorlienka contributed the final goal with a convincing shot from inside the penalty area.

Among the 22 players of the U-16 team, these four players indeed have prior experience competing on the international stage. They have played together with the U-17 or U-20 teams. As a result, they are no longer "stage fright."

Nevertheless, other debuting players also shone brightly. Although they did not score, they showcased captivating individual qualities. Indira Fatma and Jimbaran Jihan, two players who graduated from the U-14 and U-16 Piala Pertiwi 2025, for instance, were able to threaten the opponent's goal through their actions.

Timo stated that the victory against Timor Leste is a result to be grateful for. Moreover, they were able to score up to six goals through an outstanding performance. This marks a positive start for Indonesia in the tournament. However, it is more than just a matter of winning and losing.

The match against Timor Leste brings the U-16 team one step closer to achieving their main objective. "Of course, we want to win, but our primary goal is to show that Indonesian women can play football. This generation deserves attention because they have extraordinary potential," said Timo.

"Below them, there are many talented individuals. Therefore, I see a bright future for Indonesian women's football. It will undoubtedly be much better than the current senior national team. However, we must be patient and serious in handling them," he added.

Female football players, according to Timo, also have advantages compared to male football players. They are easier to train because they are more willing to listen. This encourages faster development and integration.

Since before the tournament, Timo emphasized that Indonesia's participation in the 2025 ASEAN Women's Championship is not merely to compete with neighboring countries. This participation is the beginning of the stages that young Indonesian female footballers must go through to reach the next level, advancing to higher age groups until they eventually break into the senior national team.

On the other hand, Timo also expressed his happiness because his protégés were able to cope with the tough and relentless play from Timor Leste. From Timor Leste, Timo hopes that his protégés learn the value of hard work.

The individual abilities of Indonesian players are acknowledged by the coach of Timor Leste, Emral Abus. According to Emral, Indonesian players are capable of playing tactically, effectively executing transitions from attack to defense and vice versa. They also excel both physically and mentally.

However, Emral, who is an Indonesian coach, also believes that his protégés will soon rise. The match against Indonesia is one that provides lessons and experience. Emral is also optimistic that women's football in Timor Leste will develop because it has potential players.

Like Indonesia, Timor Leste is also currently focused on developing women's football. Their national team has begun actively participating in international matches. They are preparing teams from various age groups.

At first glance, this effort is similar to that undertaken by Indonesia. However, there is one distinguishing factor: Timor Leste understands the necessity of competition to further invigorate women's football in the country while also serving as a platform for players to showcase their talents.

On August 22, they will hold a women's football competition titled the Liga Futebol Feminino De Timor-Leste. Practically, in Southeast Asia, only Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam do not have a domestic league in the near future.