At the 2025 U17 Asian tournament, U17 Indonesia is in Group C, along with U17 Korea, U17 Yemen and U17 Afghanistan.
Coach Nova Arianto and his team will face South Korea U17 in the opening match. The youth team from the land of kimchi is considered the most likely candidate for the top spot. If they get a good result against U17 Korea, the chance for U17 Indonesia to enter the quarter-finals will be higher.
The 8 teams entering the quarter-finals will have tickets to the 2025 U17 World Cup, so right from the group stage, each match is very important.
Sharing on the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) homepage, coach Nova said:
" Korea is definitely the most difficult opponent in this group. But we are prepared mentally, tactically and in terms of playing style. Hopefully in the first match, the players will show their best."
"The first match will definitely be difficult, for both us and U17 Korea. I always emphasize to the players to focus and discipline to win."
In the history of the U17 Asian tournament, U17 Indonesia and South Korea have met 3 times. The team from the archipelago drew 1 and lost 2, in which they last lost 0-9 at U18 Asia 2008.
In theory, U17 Korea is rated higher. Coach Baek Ki-tae said his team will play with a proactive philosophy, like the national team.
"We focus on fast, reckless and focused play. The principles and tactical diagram of the U17 team are consistent with the team's philosophies, forming an active and flexible playing style".
"Indonesia is one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia. They have balance in defense, have dangerous individuals in attack. We have to prepare well," added the U17 Korea captain.
In the past, U17 Korea has won the Asian championship twice in 1986 and 2002. In the most recent tournament held in 2023, they met U17 Japan in the final and won the runner-up position.
