Indonesia's U16 Football Coach Sees Semifinal as Crucial Learning Stage

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – For Indonesia’s U16 women’s national football team, the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 semifinal against Jordan is more than just a battle for a place in the final; it is a crucial learning stage for building experience and resilience.

Head coach Timo Scheunemann emphasized that the upcoming match on Friday night, August 21, 2026, at Supersoccer Arena Kudus, Central Java, is an opportunity to build experience for his young squad.

“Reaching the semifinal is already a reward. My personal goal is for the girls to play five matches up to the final, so they gain valuable minutes,” Timo said at a press conference on Thursday, August 19, as quoted by Antara.

He underlined that the tournament is part of a long‑term process to shape a new generation of Indonesian women’s football. With most players still new to international competition, every match offers crucial exposure.

“In this age group, development for the senior level is the priority. Each international game is very important,” he noted.

Despite the developmental focus, Timo urged his players to give their all, treating every match as if it were a final.

Team captain Alleana Ayu echoed the sentiment, assuring that the squad is fully prepared. “We’ve trained hard and will approach the semifinal as though it’s the championship match,” she said.

The semifinal against Jordan marks a pivotal step in Indonesia’s youth football journey, blending competitive ambition with the broader mission of nurturing future talent.

Timo acknowledged the opponent’s strength and collective play, urging his players to remain disciplined and work hard throughout the match. He expressed relief that all Garuda Pertiwi players are fit and ready. “I see every match as a final, regardless of the opponent,” he added.

Jordan’s head coach Luna Rami Amin Almasri also promised her team would give everything to secure a place in the final, despite their recent group-stage loss to Indonesia’s Putri Nusantara. “We will give our all to reach the final. The players will fight hard,” she concluded.

The semifinal lineup pits Garuda Pertiwi, winners of Group A, against Jordan, runners-up of Group B. The other semifinal features Thailand, Group B winners, against Malaysia, runners-up of Group A. Both matches will be played on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, with the winners advancing to the final on Sunday, August 23, 2026. ***