Mali U-23 Becomes the Next Test for the "Young Garuda"

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – According to the initial plan, the U-23 team is confirmed to participate in the international break trial agenda in November. PSSI has appointed Mali as the opponent for the "Garuda Muda" trial match ahead of their departure to the SEA Games Thailand 2025. In this trial match, coach Indra Sjafri has called up 30 players, a reduction of two players from the previous call-up.

After being a subject of speculation, PSSI has finally confirmed that two international friendly matches in November will feature the U-23 team. This step is part of the team's preparation ahead of the SEA Games. The vacancy in the senior national team's coaching position has been one of the considerations for PSSI in providing the opportunity for a trial to the "Garuda Muda."

"The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) confirms that the U-23 team will face Mali U-23 twice on November 15 and 18 at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor Regency, West Java, with kick-off at 8:00 PM WIB. The Mali team will arrive in Indonesia on November 13," said PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi in a press release on Thursday evening (November 6, 2025).

This is the second trial agenda for "Garuda Muda." Previously, the Indonesia U-23 team tested their strength against India last month. Similar to the trial format against Mali, Indonesia also faced India in two matches at the Madya Stadium, Senayan.

The two friendly matches against India ended without a victory for "Garuda Muda." In the first match, Indonesia lost 1-2. The performance of the team coached by Indra improved in the second match, managing to hold India to a 1-1 draw. Donny Tri Pamungkas, who switched roles to become a midfielder, emerged as Indonesia's star with his goal in both friendly matches.

As preparation for facing Mali, Indra summoned 30 players to undergo a training camp in Jakarta. The number of players called up has decreased by two compared to the match against India. One new name included in this trial is the forward from FC Volendam, Mauro Zijlstra.

Hopefully, these two international trials will make the U-23 Team more mature and solid ahead of the upcoming SEA Games 2025.

Indra's consideration to call up Zijlstra is likely influenced by the bluntness of the "Garuda Muda" front line during the match against India. Hokky Caraka and Jens Raven, who were given the opportunity in those two matches, failed to deliver their best performances. Zijlstra's inclusion will intensify the competition in the front line. Out of 32 players, only 23 will be taken to Thailand.

The selection of Mali as a test opponent is very suitable as preparation for "Garuda Muda" in their mission to defend the gold medal. The team from Africa is considered formidable, as evidenced by their qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Thus, the Indonesia U-23 team is assured of two substantial test matches. India, which was previously an opponent in a friendly match, also showcased a level of play that posed challenges for Indonesia. In fact, Indra admitted to being surprised by India's fast transition style of play.

"I hope these two international trials will make the U-23 team more mature and solid ahead of the upcoming SEA Games 2025," said Yunus.

The football branch of the SEA Games will take place from December 3 to 18, 2025. In the group stage, Indonesia is grouped with Singapore, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

List of 30 Indonesian U-23 players

Goalkeeper:

Cahya Supriadi (PSIM Yogyakarta)

Daffa Fasya Sumawijaya (Borneo FC)

Muhammad Ardiansyah (PSM Makassar)

Ikram Algifari (Bekasi FC)

Defender:

Brandon Marsel Scheunemann (Arema FC)

Dony Tri Pamungkas (Persija Jakarta)

Frengky Deaner Missa (Bhayangkara Precision)

Dion Wilhelmus Eddy Markx (TOP Oss)

Kadek Arel Priyatna (Bali United)

Brother Rudianto (Persib Bandung)

Mikael Alfredo Tata (Persebaya Surabaya)

Muhammad Alfarezzi Buffon (Borneo FC)

Muhammad Ferrari (Bhayangkara Precision)

Robi Darwis (Persib Bandung)

Raka Cahyana Rizky (PSIM Yogyakarta)

Midfielder:

Ananda Raehaan Alief (PSM Makassar)

Arkhan Fikri (Arema FC)

Muhammad Rayhan Hannan (Persija Jakarta)

Rivaldo Enero Pakpahan (Borneo FC)

Toni Firmansyah (Persebaya Surabaya)

Zanadin Fariz (Persis Solo)

Rifqi Ray Farandi (Persik Kediri)

Ivar Jenner (FC Utrecht)

Wigi Pratama (Persik Kediri)

Attacker:

Hokky Caraka, Brilliant Star (Persita Tangerang)

Rafael William Struick (Dewa United)

Jens Raven (Bali United)

Rahmat Arjuna Reski (Bali United)

Ricky Pratama (PSM Makassar)

Mauro Nils Zijlstra (Volendam)