Indonesia’s U-17 Team Falls to Zambia in Competitive Showdown

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

U-17 Indonesian National Team must admit the superiority of Zambia U-17 with a score of 1-3 in the first match 2025 U-17 World CupTuesday (4/11) evening WIB.

The Garuda Nusantara troops were surprised by the quick goal scored by Zambia less than a minute into the match.

Mapalo Simute managed to catch a horizontal cross from the right. However, the goal was disallowed after the referee reviewed the Video Support Review (VSR) and declared Simute offside.

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Nova Arianto’s squad looked nervous in the first 10 minutes. Poor ball control and wrong passes from the players meant that the attack did not run optimally.

However, Indonesia managed to break the deadlock in the 12th minute. It was Zahaby Gholy who successfully etched his name on the scoreboard.

Starting from Evandra Florasta’s cross from the right side. Zambia goalkeeper Christo Ctambala tried to cut the ball but the wild ball was caught by Zahaby Gholy to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead.

Being left behind by one goal spurred Zambia to play more aggressively. Meanwhile, Indonesia was under more pressure and often made wrong passes, resulting in undirected attacks.

Indonesia’s back line was finally punished in the 35th minute. Abel Nyirongo managed to grab a low cross in front of goal to equalize the score at 1-1.

The Indonesian U-17 national team took the lead through Zahaby Gholy’s goal. (ANTARA FOTO/BAYU PRATAMA S)

Two minutes later, Abel Nyirongo again became a disaster for Indonesia. Nyirongo’s shot from outside the penalty box gave Zambia a 2-1 lead.

Lukonde Mwale put Zambia 3-1 ahead in the 42nd minute. Mwale’s close-range shot using a cross could not be blocked by Dafa Algasemi.

Entering the second half, Indonesia had a golden opportunity in the 55th minute. Mierza Firjatullah just had to face one on one with Zambia goalkeeper Christo Ctambala. Unfortunately the shot was still saved.

Mierza Firjatullah dueled with Zambia U-17 players. (ANTARA FOTO/BAYU PRATAMA S)

In the 62nd minute, the referee pointed to the spot after Evandra Florasta fell in the penalty box. However, the penalty was annulled after the referee checked the VSR.

Evandra was then given a yellow card because he was deemed to have done it diving in the penalty box. The penalty for Indonesia was also canceled.

Mierza got a good chance in the 80th minute after working together one or two in the penalty box. Unfortunately Mierza had difficulty controlling the ball so it was released before it could be executed.

Rafi Rasyiq almost etched his name on the scoreboard with a great individual action in the 89th minute. He was able to outwit several opposing players before firing a left footed shot. Unfortunately his shot still hit the crossbar.

This result means that Indonesia will have to fight harder in the next two matches against Brazil and Honduras. Previously, Brazil won 7-0 over Honduras.

Indonesia vs Zambia Player Lineup:

Indonesia U-17 XI: Dafa Algasemi (GK); Fabio Azkairawan, I Putu Panji (C), Mathew Baker; Eizar Tanjung, Lucas Lee, Evandra Florasta, Nazriel Alvaro, Zahaby Gholy; Mierza Firjatullah, Fadly Alberto.

Zambia U-17 XI: Christo Chitambala (GK); Livesson Banda, Andrew Mwape, Lukoden Mwale, Jonathan Kalitina (C), James Sibene; Bongani Ndhlod, Felix Phiri, Mapalo Simute, Kelvin Chipelu; Abel Nyonouro.

[Gambas:Video CNN]

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How might indonesia’s youth advancement programs be adjusted to better prepare players for the physical demands of international competition, as highlighted by the match against Zambia?

Match Recap: Zambia Secures Victory

Indonesia’s U-17 national football team faced a tough challenge against Zambia in a recent competitive match, ultimately falling to a 2-1 defeat. The game, a key fixture in their developmental campaign, showcased both promising talent and areas for advancement for the young Indonesian squad. The match took place on November 4th, 2025, and was closely contested throughout. Zambia’s winning goals came from a penalty in the frist half and a swift counter-attack in the second. Indonesia managed to pull one back through a well-worked set piece, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

Key Moments & Game Analysis

Several pivotal moments defined the match.

* First Half Penalty: A controversial penalty decision awarded to Zambia proved crucial, giving them an early lead and setting the tone for a challenging first half for Indonesia.

* Indonesia’s Midfield Struggles: Zambia’s midfield dominance stifled Indonesia’s attacking play, limiting their ability to build momentum and create clear-cut chances. The Garuda muda (Young Garuda) struggled to control possession.

* Second-Half Resurgence: Indonesia showed resilience after the break, increasing their attacking intensity and creating more opportunities. Their goal demonstrated their attacking potential.

* Zambia’s Clinical Counter-Attacking: Zambia effectively exploited spaces left by Indonesia’s attacking pushes,scoring a decisive goal on the counter. This highlighted their tactical discipline.

Player Performances: Standouts and Areas for Growth

While the result was disappointing, individual performances offered glimpses of hope for the future of Indonesian youth football.

* Indonesia’s Captain, [Player Name]: Displayed leadership qualities and made several crucial tackles, but struggled to influence the game offensively.

* Zambia’s striker, [Player Name]: Proved a constant threat, winning the penalty and leading the line effectively. His pace and movement caused problems for the indonesian defense.

* Indonesia’s goalkeeper, [Player Name]: Made several vital saves to keep the scoreline respectable, demonstrating his shot-stopping ability.

* Areas for Improvement: Several Indonesian players lacked experience at this level, leading to unforced errors and poor decision-making under pressure. Developing composure and tactical awareness will be vital.

Tactical Approaches: Indonesia vs. Zambia

The match highlighted contrasting tactical approaches.Indonesia favored a possession-based style, attempting to build from the back, while Zambia adopted a more direct, counter-attacking approach.

* Indonesia’s Formation: Primarily utilized a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to control the midfield and create width in attack.

* Zambia’s Formation: Employed a 4-4-2 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and swift transitions.

* Coaching Adjustments: Indonesia’s coach made tactical adjustments at halftime, switching to a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 formation, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. Zambia’s coach maintained a consistent approach, capitalizing on Indonesia’s vulnerabilities.

The Importance of This match for Indonesian Football Development

This match against Zambia is a valuable learning experience for the Indonesian U-17 team. It provides crucial insights into the areas where they need to improve to compete at the international level.

* youth Development Programs: The need for continued investment in youth development programs is paramount. Identifying and nurturing young talent is essential for long-term success.

* International Exposure: Regular participation in international tournaments and friendlies is vital for exposing players to different styles of play and improving their competitiveness.

* Focus on Physical Conditioning: The match revealed a gap in physical conditioning between the two teams. Enhancing players’ fitness levels will be crucial for sustaining performance throughout matches.

* Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with established football academies and coaches can provide valuable expertise and accelerate player development.

Looking ahead: Indonesia’s Future Prospects

Despite the defeat, indonesia’s U-17 team remains a promising prospect. With continued dedication to training, development, and strategic planning, they have the potential to achieve success in future competitions. The PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) is committed to supporting the team and providing them with the resources they need to excel. Future matches will be crucial in assessing their progress and identifying areas for further improvement. The focus will be on building a strong team spirit, enhancing tactical awareness, and developing individual player skills.