August 18, 2025 | 10:57 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The U-17 Mali National Team claimed the Independence Cup (Piala Kemerdekaan in Bahasa Indonesia) 2025 title after defeating Indonesia 2-1. The match was held at the Utama Sumatera Utara Stadium in Deli Serdang on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Mali’s goals came from Zoumana Ballo and Seydou Dembele, while Indonesia reduced the deficit through a first-half header by Fadly Alberto. The win allowed Mali to sweep all their tournament matches.
Previously, they beat Uzbekistan 5-1 and Tajikistan 4-2. Indonesia concluded the tournament with four points, following a victory over Uzbekistan and a draw against Tajikistan.
Match Highlights
Against Mali, Indonesian U-17 head coach Nova Arianto deployed his strongest lineup in a 5-2-3 formation. The three central defenders were I Putu Panji, Algazani Dwi Sugandi, and Mathew Baker. They were supported by full-backs Fabio Azka Irawan on the left and Eizar Jacob on the right.
In midfield, Nazriel Alvaro and Evandra Florasta anchored the team and orchestrated attacks, supporting the forwards Dimas Adi Prasetyo, Faldy Alberto Hengga, and Mochammad Mierza Firjatullah.
Mali coach Adama Diefla Diallo lined up his team in a 4-4-2 formation. N'Djicaura Raymond Bomba, the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, partnered with Zoumana Ballo.
The match started at a fast pace. Indonesia tried to press but struggled against Mali’s agility and fluid play, allowing the African side to dominate possession. Indonesia’s attacks were often cut off by Mali’s high pressing.
Mali created the first chance in the sixth minute when Ballo connected with a cross from Bomba, but Indonesian goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi blocked the shot. In the 13th minute, Mahamadou Traore’s long-range effort was also parried by Dafa. Three minutes later, Ibrahim Diakite broke into the box, but Dafa made another crucial save.
Indonesia’s defense finally conceded in the 22nd minute. Bomba’s cross from the right was met by Ballo, who headed the ball past Dafa to make it 1-0 for Mali.
In the 33rd minute, Seydou Dembele scored from distance, doubling Mali’s lead. Indonesia pulled one back in the 37th minute through Faldy Alberto, who converted a throw-in from Fabio Azka with a header.
Second Half
The first-half statistics reflected Mali’s control of the game, with the team holding 60 percent of ball possession and generating seven clear scoring opportunities. Indonesia managed only 40 percent possession and produced a single chance on goal.
After the break, both sides launched attacks. Mali continued to press the Garuda squad’s defense, but they struggled to break through the solid backline led by I Putu Panji and his fellow defenders.
Ten minutes into the second half, coach Nova Arianto made tactical substitutions. He brought on Rafi Rasyiq, Zahaby Gholy, and Ilham Romadona, replacing Evandra Florasta, Faldy Alberto, and Mochammad Mierza Firjatullah.
Mali created a promising opportunity in the 65th minute when N'Djicoura Bomba rose for a header, but the ball sailed over the goal. Two minutes later, Bomba took advantage of a misclear by Indonesian goalkeeper Dafa Al Gasemi.
He intercepted the ball and attempted a lob after noticing Dafa was out of position. Fortunately for Indonesia, the attempt missed the right side of the goal.
In the final ten minutes, there were few dangerous chances. Mali maintained higher possession but struggled to penetrate Indonesia’s compact defense. They frequently relied on crosses to exploit their height advantage, yet reduced accuracy in their finishing prevented any further goals.
The score remained 2-1 in Mali’s favor until the final whistle, securing their tournament victory while Indonesia put up a resilient defensive display.
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