Indonesia's U-17 Squad Targets Finishing and Mental Strength Ahead of AFC Asian Cup

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - With the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 fast approaching, Indonesia’s U-17 national team is sharpening its preparations under head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, who has placed finishing and composure at the top of his priorities.

The tournament, set for May 5–22 in Saudi Arabia, comes after Indonesia’s early exit from the ASEAN U-17 Championship earlier this year. Indonesia finished third in their group in East Java with four points -- beating Timor Leste 4–0 but losing 0–1 to Malaysia and drawing with Vietnam.

Kurniawan admitted missed opportunities proved costly. “The first issue is finishing. Against Timor Leste and Malaysia, we created many chances but failed to convert,” he said during training at Gelora Bung Karno, Central Jakarta, on Friday, April 24.

The coach also emphasized patience when facing defensive opponents. “When our plan didn’t work, we rushed to equalize. Against low-block teams, we need to stay calm, look for openings, and wait for the right moment,” he explained.

Beyond tactics, Kurniawan is working to rebuild confidence after the ASEAN setback. “The team behind the team -- officials, psychologists -- are working hard because mental strength is vital to execute our plans,” said the former Como player.

Indonesia faces a daunting Group B in Saudi Arabia, alongside Japan (four titles), China (two titles), and Qatar (one title). The top two teams will qualify for the U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar this November. Despite the challenge, Kurniawan remains optimistic.

“We cannot lose before we play. I keep telling the players to stay confident. Sometimes the underdog can achieve something unexpected,” he said.

The squad currently trains with 26 players, with the final 23-man roster to be confirmed by Friday night, April 24. Rising star Mierza Firjatullah, who featured at last year’s U-17 World Cup, is unlikely to join due to a hamstring injury. "We won’t force him. His future career is more important,” Kurniawan concluded.

Indonesia will depart for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, April 25, with 21 players, including Mathew Baker, who joined late. Two others, Mike Rajasa and Noha Pohan, are expected to link up directly in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, April 26. ***