Indonesia U‑17 Begin Coach Nascimento Era with Draw Against Malaysia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian U‑17 national team opened a new chapter under head coach David Nascimento with a spirited performance, though victory slipped away in the final seconds as Malaysia forced a 1‑1 draw in the Garuda Championship Series 2026 at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta, Central Java, on Saturday night, June 4.

The match showcased both promise and resilience from Garuda Muda. After a goalless first half, Indonesia grew into the game, with Chico Jericho repeatedly testing Malaysia’s goalkeeper Adam Nurfakrullah.

The breakthrough came in the 80th minute when Dhamar Try Kusuma converted a rebound to put Indonesia ahead, Antara reported. But the win dissolved in stoppage time. A Malaysian corner deflected off defender Valdo Putra’s head into his own net, leveling the score at 1‑1.

Malaysia had started aggressively, yet Indonesia’s midfield held firm, creating early chances through Chico and Dzaky Muhammad. The second half saw Indonesia dominate possession, bolstered by the introduction of Ichiro Akbar, which energized their attacking play.

Statistically, Indonesia matched their opponents, with strong first‑serve percentages and disciplined play. Despite the draw, the team showed composure, conceding few errors and maintaining intensity until the final whistle.

For Nascimento, the result marked a bittersweet debut: a performance full of promise but marred by a late setback. Still, the match offered glimpses of potential as Indonesia builds toward future competitions.

Lineups

• Indonesia (4‑3‑3): Abdillah Isak; Faiz Fathurahman, Ramadhan Putra, Faiz Hikmal, Puma Nandhito; Melki Yatipai, Stenly Meyanu, Edsel Henrian; Chico Jericho, Dolvi Solossa, Dzaky Muhammad.
• Malaysia (3‑4‑3): Adam Nurfakrullah; Adam Muqri, Muhammad Fareez Danial, Naim Musaddiq; Muhammad Aqif, Muhammad Dini, Muhammad Aniq Thaqif, Muhammad Harraz; Ahmad Aidil, Benjamin Aryan, Mohamad Fahim Akmal. ***