The "Garuda Pertiwi Muda" Team is One Step Towards Another History

SURAKARTA, SUNDAY — The Indonesian U-16 women's soccer team made history by advancing to the semifinals of the ASEAN Championship, formerly known as the AFF Championship, for the first time. As expected, the "Garuda Pertiwi Muda" team will face a real challenge, facing Australia or the best runner-up. If they can overcome their opponents again, another historic moment awaits.

The path for the Indonesian U-16 women's football team to experience real challenges at the Southeast Asian level has opened up thanks to their victory over Malaysia. Playing at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Central Java, on Sunday (24/8/2025) evening, Indonesia won the final match of Group A with a score of 3-1.

The result was sufficient to lead Indonesia to become the champion of Group A with a total of six points, surpassing Malaysia in second place with three points and Timor Leste at the bottom with no points. With this result, Indonesia also made history by qualifying for the semifinals of the ASEAN U-16 Women's Championship for the first time.

Indonesia has participated in the tournament formerly known as the AFF Championship since its inaugural edition in 2009. In a total of three participations in 2009, 2017, and 2018, Indonesia has always been eliminated in the group stage.

That moment includes when Indonesia hosted in 2018 in Palembang, South Sumatra. The Indonesian U-16 women's team lost 1-4 to Thailand and was defeated 0-2 by Laos. With only one victory against Cambodia with a score of 2-0, Indonesia ranked third.

At that time, two semifinal tickets were available for the group winners and runners-up. Thailand and Laos earned those tickets.

In the 2025 edition, only the winners of each of the three groups and one best runner-up will advance to the semifinals. Indonesia will face the winners of Group C, and the inaugural champions, Australia. In Group C, Australia defeated Thailand 2-1 and Singapore 3-0.

If the best runner-up comes from Group B, the draw will change. Indonesia will face the best runner-up from Group B in the quarterfinals. This means Indonesia will have to wait until the final matches of Group B and Group C to determine its semifinal opponents.

Regardless of who the opponent is, the success of advancing to this stage fulfills the aspirations of the team coached by Timo Scheunemann. The young Indonesian team aims to experience numerous matches in the ASEAN Championship to gain ample experience.

When successfully advancing to the semifinals, Indonesia could have the opportunity to play up to four times, namely two matches in the group stage, one semifinal match, and one final or third-place playoff. Additionally, there is also a possibility for Indonesia to face strong teams such as Australia.

According to Timo, facing opponents starting from the semifinal phase will be a good challenge for Indonesia. "We want to reach the semifinals to play against teams like that and see where our strength currently stands," Timo stated.

If successful in defeating Australia or another opponent in the semifinals, Indonesia will once again make history. Nasywa Salsabila Fatah and her teammates will bring Indonesia to the final match of the U-16 Southeast Asian tournament for the first time.

This achievement will represent Indonesia's best result in the age group of 16-year-old girls. Moreover, Indonesia also demonstrates the level of their quality in Southeast Asia.

In the group stage, Indonesia has already demonstrated its superiority over Malaysia and Timor Leste. Indonesia's level is above both of these teams.

In addition to being able to showcase each individual's abilities, the players also demonstrated good teamwork. The debut players and experienced players performing together with the U-20 Indonesia team were able to synergize.

The third goal against Malaysia in the 82nd minute demonstrated how effective teamwork can yield excellent results. Inside the Malaysian penalty area, they confidently played the ball from foot to foot with precise passes, culminating in an accurate shot by Vivi Vera.

Two other goals were scored by Nasywa Salsabila Fatah just four minutes into the match and Jazlyn Kayla Firyal in the 15th minute from the penalty spot. Meanwhile, Malaysia managed to reduce the deficit in the 80th minute through a free kick taken by Nur Laila.