Sinking Yemen, "Young Garuda" Flies to the 2025 Qatar U-17 World Cup

JEDDAH, MONDAY — The Indonesian U-17 team showcased their best quality to defeat Yemen 4-1 in the second match of Group C in the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, Monday (7/4/2025) evening, at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Two victories in the group stage propelled the "Young Garuda" to the quarterfinals while also securing their position as Asia's fourth representative in the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November.

Indonesia follows Qatar (the host), as well as Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan, which have already confirmed their participation in the 2025 U-17 World Cup. With this situation, five remaining slots for representatives of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in the global tournament are still available.

Three points were secured by Indonesia through contributions of goals from two wingers, namely Zahaby Gholy (15') and Fadly Alberto (25'). In addition to scoring a goal, Gholy, the winger from Persija Jakarta, also provided an assist for Fadly's header goal.

Yemen briefly opened up hope of equalizing through a penalty kick executed by Mohammad al-Garash in the 52nd minute. However, Evandra Florasta, an Indonesian midfielder, scored his second goal in Saudi Arabia 2025 with a flawless execution from the penalty spot when three minutes of regular time remained.

Evandra, a player from Bhayangkara Presisi, sealed Indonesia's victory two minutes later. He perfected Garuda Muda's quick counterattack strategy.

The collection of six points in two preliminary round games ensured Indonesia secured the top position in Group C. Indonesia already holds a superior head-to-head record against South Korea and Yemen. As group champions, Gholy and his teammates will face the runner-up of Group D.

The match against Afghanistan in the final game of Group C, Thursday (10/4/2025), will not have any impact on the final position of Garuda Muda.

The team coached by Nova Arianto managed to maintain Indonesia's tradition of advancing to the knockout stage of the U-17 Asian Cup in two consecutive participations. The achievement of reaching the quarterfinals was also accomplished during the 2018 U-17 Asian Cup in Malaysia.

Of course, it was the first time for Indonesia to qualify from the group stage of the U-17 Asian Cup in two consecutive editions. Not to forget, two wins in the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup also confirmed Indonesia's record of the most positive results in the most junior Asian inter-country tournament.

Previously, Indonesia's best achievement was only winning one match in one edition. It was created when it defeated Tajikistan in 2010 and defeated Iran in the 2018 edition.

In addition to creating new history in participating in the U-17 Asian Cup, Indonesia collected new history in its first opportunity to participate in two consecutive editions of the U-17 World Cup. Indonesia appeared in the 2023 U-17 World Cup with host status.

Nova became the first coach of Indonesia U-17 to qualify for the U-17 World Cup through the qualification route. The former national defender from the 2000s equaled the achievement of Soetjipto Soentoro who led Indonesia to advance to a world-class tournament, namely the 1979 U-20 World Cup, after struggling through the early rounds.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir appreciates Garuda Muda's achievements in the U-17 Asian Cup. The main target to qualify for the 2025 U-17 World Cup has been achieved.

"But it must be remembered, the struggle in the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup is not over yet. There are still matches, so all players and coaching staff must focus on pursuing the best achievements in the U-17 Asian Cup," said Erick in a press statement.

Evandra was grateful to be able to present another victory for his team. "Alhamdulillah, I was able to score two goals. This result is thanks to the support and prayers of all parties, including from supporters in the stadium and teammates. We will fight to get three more points in the next game (against Afghanistan)," said Evandra to AFC Media.

Nova fielded the same starting 11 players as the game against South Korea. The 3-4-3 formation that transformed into a 5-4-1 in defensive situations became the standard tactic of the Garuda Muda in Saudi Arabia 2025.

One thing that improved from Indonesia's performance was a much more effective attack. Two goals in the first half came from Indonesia's early shots on target.

The Indonesian squad even managed to shake the Yemeni goal net in the ninth minute. A shot by center forward Mierza Fijatullah was disallowed by Tajik referee Davlatov Abdullo because he was in an offside position before receiving a cross from left wing back Daniel Afrido.

Meanwhile, Yemen's efforts to catch up were carried out with long-range shots. Yemen's first two shots on target were produced from outside the penalty box by Abdullah Mohammad and Mohammad Ali.

Yemen managed to score a goal against Indonesia thanks to a penalty kick from center back and captain, Mohammad al-Garash, in the 52nd minute. The referee pointed to the white spot due to a pull by Indonesian defender, Putu Panji, who brought down Yemen's lone striker, Karen Abdulatef, when the match had been going on for 50 minutes.

In the 85th minute, referee Abdullo pointed to the spot for the second time in the match. The penalty for Indonesia was awarded after Yemeni goalkeeper Wesam Fuad tackled Indonesia's substitute winger Rafi Rasyiq, who had cut off Yemeni defender Ahmad al-Jledy's back-pass.

Evandra's execution was very good to deceive Fuad through a penalty shot in the 87th minute. Two minutes later, Evandra scored Indonesia's fourth goal through a tap in front of the Yemeni goal.