September 9, 2025 | 04:59 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's U-23 national team is set to face a formidable opponent, South Korea, in the final Group J match of the 2025 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Muhammad Ferarri and his teammates must secure a victory to advance as the group’s champion.
Currently, the team led by Gerald Vanenburg sits second in the group with four points, following a goalless draw against Laos and a commanding 5-0 win over Macau.
South Korea leads the group with six points, having won both matches decisively, 5-0 against Macau and 7-0 against Laos.
In the broader context, 44 teams across eleven groups, labeled A to K, are competing in the qualifiers for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, scheduled in Saudi Arabia next January. The 11 group winners and the four best runners-up will move on to the main round, alongside the host nation.
To claim the top spot in Group J, Indonesia must defeat South Korea. A draw or loss would eliminate the Young Garuda from contention, as competition for the best runner-up spots is intense.
From the first two matches, four teams (China, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Yemen) have already amassed six points, placing them ahead of Indonesia in the race for the top four best runners-up.
Gerald Vanenburg, fully aware of the challenge ahead, emphasized the importance of composure. The former Ajax Amsterdam player and Dutch coach urged his players not to let nerves affect their performance.
"You cannot win the game if you are nervous. So, you must control it to stay calm," he said while leading the Young Garuda's training at Gelora 10 November Stadium in Surabaya on Monday, September 8, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
Analyzing South Korea’s previous two matches, Vanenburg noted their remarkable attacking efficiency, having scored 12 goals in just two games, while maintaining a flawless defensive record. "We have to prepare thoroughly and find strategies to defeat them," the 61-year-old coach added.
Indonesia’s U-23 team manager, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, remains optimistic. He pointed to the team’s decisive win over Macau as a morale booster.
"The second match was crucial, it shows we are a solid team and capable of opening the score," he said, as quoted by Antara.
"We know Korea can score many goals and have a strong defense, which will be a challenge. But we must remain positive. The ball is round. We definitely have opportunities."
On the other hand, South Korea only needs a draw to secure qualification for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, a factor that may give them a psychological edge when facing Indonesia.
Vanenburg is expected to field his strongest squad. Rafael Struick is likely to lead the attack alongside Jens Raven and Rahmat Arjuna.
Cahya Supriadi will continue as goalkeeper, with Muhammad Ferarri and Kadek Arel Priyatna as center-backs, and Dony Tri Pamungkas and Kakang Rudianto covering the flanks.
Toni Firmansyah, Ananda Raehan Alief, and Arkhan Fikri are expected to control the midfield.
Predicted Line-up: Cahya Supriadi; Muhammad Ferarri, Kadek Arel Priyatna, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Kakang Rudianto; Toni Firmansyah, Ananda Raehan Alief, Arkhan Fikri; Rafael Struick, Jens Raven, Rahmat Arjuna
Match Prediction
Indonesia’s U-23 team is expected to spend much of the match fending off South Korea’s aggressive attacks, with goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi likely to be kept on high alert.
The Young Garuda will probably depend on swift counterattacks to generate scoring chances and challenge South Korea’s defense.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia vs South Korea: Do-or-Die Battle in AFC U-23 Qualifiers
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