August 12, 2025 | 10:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The U-17 Indonesia national team had to settle for a draw against Tajikistan in their first match of the Independence Cup 2025. The chance for victory slipped away near the end of the match held at the Utama Sumatera Utara Stadium, Deli Serdang, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Indonesia took the lead twice with goals from Mierza Firjatullah in the 34th minute and Fadly Alberto in the 50th minute. Tajikistan equalized first in the 37th minute through Zarifzoda Zarif and then again in the 90th minute with a goal by Nazrullo Ashuralizoda.
This result places Indonesia and Tajikistan in second and third place respectively in the current standings of the Independence Cup 2025. Mali, who previously defeated Uzbekistan 5-1, holds the top position.
Match Events
The match between Indonesia and Tajikistan began under heavy rain in Deli Serdang. From the start, players from both teams aggressively attacked their opponent’s defense.
Tajikistan created the first threat within five minutes, but Anvarzod Munavar’s long shot went over the bar. In the 20th minute, Munavar again threatened Indonesia’s goal, but his shot from outside the penalty box went wide.
The Garuda Muda team finally had a chance in the 25th minute. Unfortunately, Fadly Alberto’s close-range effort was blocked by the Tajikistan goalkeeper.
In the 34th minute, the U-17 Indonesia national team broke the deadlock. Fadly’s cross found Mierza Firjatullah unmarked in the penalty box. He then headed the ball into the net.
Indonesia’s lead lasted only three minutes. Tajikistan quickly equalized through Zarifzoda Zarif’s powerful shot from outside the penalty box. The score remained level until halftime.
Second Half
After the break, the U-17 Indonesia national team immediately pushed forward. As a result, they scored again in the 50th minute. This time, Fadly Alberto put his name on the scoresheet after receiving Elzar Jacob Tanjung’s cross, heading sharply into Tajikistan’s goal.
This lead changed Indonesia’s playing style for the rest of the match. They relied more on counter-attacks to exploit Tajikistan’s increasing aggressiveness.
They created several chances this way, but the lack of a decisive finish meant they could not add to their tally. Meanwhile, Tajikistan became more motivated to equalize. They created several threats but failed to score until the 90th minute.
In the 90th minute, substitute Nazrullo Ashuralizoda found the net from close range, catching Indonesia’s defense off guard. The score of 2-2 remained until the final whistle.
Lineups Indonesia vs Tajikistan
Indonesia: Dafa Gasemi (goalkeeper), Elzar Jacob, Fabio Azkairawan, Putu Panji, Matthew Baker, Algazani Dwi, Evandra Florasta, Nazriel Alvaro, Alberto Hengga, Mierza Firjatullah, and Zahaby Gholy.
Coach: Nova Arianto
Tajikistan: Rahmonov Muhammadrahim (goalkeeper), Melikmurodov Abdusamad, Rozykov Mehrojidin, Shoev Ahmadjon, Anvarzod Munavar, Bakhtaliev Ramazon, Jafoev Umed, Khudoidodov Haidarsho, Nurmatov Shukhrat, Zarifzoda Zarif, and Nazriev Muhammad.
Coach: Ragini Marco
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