Beat Kyrgyzstan, Women's National Team's Bright Start

TANGERANG, KOMPAS - The Indonesian women's national football team began the 2026 Asian Cup Qualifiers with a positive result against Kyrgyzstan. Every victory, even with a minimal score of 1-0, is a valuable achievement for the Indonesian women's national team's dream to return to compete in the Asian-level tournament.

However, Indonesia also brought home several homework tasks from that victory. Kyrgyzstan revealed some weaknesses that need to be addressed by "Garuda Pertiwi."

Indonesia achieved its first victory in Group D of the 2026 Asian Cup Qualifiers through a solitary goal from newly naturalized player, Isa Warps, in the 65th minute. The women's national team demonstrated that their superiority is not just on paper in the match held at the Indomilk Arena Stadium, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Sunday night (29/6/2025).

"Even though it was only one goal, I'm happy we were able to win," said the Indonesian women's national team coach, Satoru Mochizuki, after the match.

"Actually, in order not to be outdone by Taiwan, we wanted to score up to eight goals as well. However, whatever it is, we are grateful to have won this thrilling first match," he stated.

Indonesia, ranked 95th in the world, must become the best team to qualify again for the Asian Cup, as it did in the previous edition in 2022. Only one team from each group can advance to the final round. Therefore, the first three points earned by Indonesia are extremely valuable in the effort to become the best team.

"Garuda Pertiwi" is competing with Taiwan, the toughest opponent in Group D. Taiwan opened their journey in the 2026 Asian Cup Qualifiers with an 8-0 victory over Pakistan. Thanks to this result, Taiwan leads the temporary standings, followed by Indonesia.

In the match against Kyrgyzstan, most of whose players also represent the women's national futsal team, Indonesia actually played aggressively from the start. Kyrgyzstan, ranked 136th in the world, had the first opportunity, but Indonesia quickly responded with a barrage of attacks.

Shafira Ika and her teammates demonstrated their superiority on the field by creating several opportunities even within the first eight minutes of the match. Indonesian forward, Claudia Scheunemann, for instance, had at least three chances to score from inside the penalty area during that period.

However, all those opportunities were thwarted by the Kyrgyz goalkeeper, Dilnura Abibulla Kyzy. Chances from other players, such as Rosdilah Siti and Sheva Imut, also failed to be converted into goals.

To overcome the deadlock, Satoru Mochizuki ultimately brought in Reva Octaviani to enhance the attacking power in the second half. Reva replaced Rosdilah, who had repeatedly initiated attacks from the left side of the opponent's goal during the first half.

On the other hand, Mochizuki also strengthened the defense by including Vivi Oktavia, who naturally plays as a defender. Vivi replaced Zahra Muzdalifah, an alumnus of the Kompas Gramedia League, who usually plays as a winger.

This change affects the national team's attacks, allowing for greater variation. Indonesia finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Isa Warps intercepted a pass that was not cleared by a defender from Kyrgyzstan. Isa immediately unleashed a shot with his right foot, sending the ball soaring into the top right corner of the goal, beyond the reach of the opposing goalkeeper.

After the goal, Indonesia actually created several opportunities to extend their lead. However, all the chances, most of which came from outside the penalty area, failed to result in a goal.

"The players have already taken the initiative to shoot from a distance, which is good. However, we will certainly try again to see how they can shoot from close range, getting closer to the goal," said Mochizuki.

According to Mochizuki, another aspect that needs improvement is not just about the attacks. The Japanese coach believes that his players still need to enhance their fundamental skills, starting from passing and ball control.

"Today Indonesia can hold the ball more, but there are still many control errors, lost balls, and inaccurate passes. Therefore, against Taiwan, they will be able to take advantage of this. For that reason, we must improve our fundamental skills," said Mochizuki.

Isa Warps expressed his happiness at scoring a goal in his debut as an Indonesian player. "I was actually nervous, but I am glad to have scored and helped the team win. This is amazing, truly like a dream," he stated.