Defeating AFC Eskilstuna, LKG BRI Indonesia Moves One Step Closer to the Round of 64

GOTHENBURG, KOMPAS — The LKG BRI Indonesia team began their adventure in the Gothia Cup with an impressive record. The "Laskar Kera Sakti" triumphed decisively with a score of 5-0 against the host representative AFC Eskilstuna in the first match of Group 29 in the Boys15 category, on Monday (14/7/2025), at Kviberg 14 Field, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Muhammad Akbar Ramadhan, the center forward, contributed a hat trick, namely three goals, each scored in the 13th minute, the 23rd minute, and a penalty in the 46th minute.

Two other goals were contributed by wingback Abdalrahman Yakoub Abd Alkaloti in the 17th minute, and attacking midfielder Radithya Javad Nugraha as the match approached the end of the first half, specifically in the 25th minute.

With that result, LKG BRI Indonesia temporarily leads Group 29 due to a superior goal difference over the English representative, Prep Schools District. In another match, Prep Schools District defeated Ojersjo IF 1-0.

This condition makes the winner of the duel between LKG BRI Indonesia and Prep Schools District, Tuesday (15/7/2025) at 20.30 WIB, at Vallhamra Field, Gothenburg, will determine the first representative of Group 29 in the round of 64 of the 2024 Gothia Cup playoff.

Winning while also scoring a hat-trick made Akbar smile throughout the journey home from the competition venue to the dormitory at Gamlestadsskolen. The fatigue from the intense match and the scorching temperature of 26 degrees Celsius was not felt by Akbar, a player from Cipta Cendikia.

"I am happy to have scored three goals and helped secure the team's first victory. However, this is just the beginning of our long journey towards becoming champions," said Akbar after the match.

The player from South Tangerang, Banten, acknowledged that there are still many aspects that need improvement, particularly his composure in front of the goal. In the first nine minutes of the match, Akbar had two golden opportunities that failed to result in a score.

The opportunity arose just seven minutes into the match. Akbar's shot inside the penalty area to meet the cross hit the crossbar.

Akbar then had a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper in the ninth minute. However, his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper's body.

"At first, I was a bit nervous and not very calm. Thank God, after finally scoring my first goal, I was able to play more calmly," said Akbar.

Abdalrahman is also happy to have scored a goal in the Gothia Cup 2025. He took advantage of the first corner kick of Laskar Kera Sakti, which resulted in a scramble in front of the Eskilstuna goal, ultimately leading to a goal.

"I am touched to be able to score a goal. This positive result serves as our capital to play even better in the next match," said Abdalrahman, who represents Young Warriors in the 2024-2025 Liga Kompas U-14 Powered by BRI.

Assistant Coach of LKG BRI Indonesia, Eddy, welcomed the performance of his protégés in the first match of the Gothia Cup 2025. According to Eddy, his players were able to handle the pressure that typically arises in the opening game of a major tournament.

"From the start, we reminded the children to be calm and play freely. They were able to demonstrate that," said Eddy.

He added, "Of course, there are still evaluations that the players have to do so that their game can improve in the next match."

That significant victory was also utilized by the coaching duo Tb Wahyudin Syah and Eddy to leverage the players' abilities. All 18 players of LKG BRI Indonesia were fielded. Two goalkeepers, Fikri Pratama Gunawan and Fazil Darvesh, played in each half, which lasted 2 x 25 minutes.

One negative aspect that emerged was the yellow card received by winger M Fauzan Alhadar in the 36th minute. "I had no intention of bringing down my opponent. His foot got caught between my legs before he lost his balance and fell. I was surprised to receive a yellow card," said Fauzan.

Referring to the competition regulations of the Gothia Cup 2025, there is no accumulation of yellow cards. As a result, Fauzan will not miss the upcoming games if he receives another yellow card.

"I learned from the first match about the attitude of the opponent and the referee. I don't want to get another yellow card," he said.

In general, Laskar Kera Sakti displayed a dominant performance from the start of the match. The pressure was already presented by LKG BRI Indonesia when the game had only been underway for about 90 seconds. Midfielder Luthfi Helmi Hanafi was the first player to take a shot, delivering an accurate strike on goal against Eskilstuna's goalkeeper, Hamza Idelbi.

Eskilstuna's negative performance was capped off with a foul on midfielder Oksal Kristian Gani in the 45th minute, inside the penalty area. Oksal was brought down from behind due to a push from one of their defenders. The referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot.

In addition to the four goals scored in the second half, winger Rayina Pamungkas also had a chance that was thwarted by the crossbar in the 13th minute. After halftime, a golden opportunity for the Laskar Kera Sakti was created through a touch from winger Muhamad Fadlan, who capitalized on a corner kick in the 30th minute. This indicated that two out of four corner kicks from LKG BRI Indonesia were successfully converted into accurate shots on target towards the Eskilstuna goal.

Eskilstuna could only make two goalkeepers from LKG BRI Indonesia each make one save. Moreover, these were not from direct shots.