RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian U-17 national soccer team head coach Nova Arianto described his team’s performance as far below expectations after a 0-7 loss to China U-17 in an international friendly at Indomilk Arena, Tangerang, Banten, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, calling the match an important learning step for a newly assembled squad.

China dominated the match, with Zhao Songyuan and Shuai Weihao each scoring twice, while Wang Heyi, Zhang Bolin, and Ailikamu Yilihong added one goal apiece.

Speaking after the match, Nova admitted the result did not reflect what the team had prepared. However, he stressed that the defeat was understandable as it marked the first international appearance for Indonesia’s new U-17 squad, which includes only one 2025 U-17 World Cup alumnus, forward Mierza Firjatullah.

Nova said the match highlighted the clear gap between domestic competition and international football. Most of the players regularly compete together in Indonesia’s Elite Pro Academy (EPA) U-18 under the name Garuda United U-18, a team that currently tops the league standings with strong domestic statistics.

“Domestic and international levels are very different, especially in terms of intensity and pressure,” Nova said, as quoted by Antara, adding that more international friendlies are essential ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026.

The coach also confirmed the possibility of adding new diaspora players following the two-match friendly series against China. Currently, Indonesia U-17 has one diaspora player, Norway-based Nicholas Indra Mjoesund, with further recruitment to be evaluated by the new assistant coach, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto.

Indonesia must reach at least the quarterfinals of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 to qualify for the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Before the continental tournament, the team will also compete in the ASEAN U-17 Championship, which Indonesia will host.

Nova plans to rotate all 28 players in the squad during the second friendly against China, scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, at the same venue. ***