Indonesian U-17 National Team Against Afghanistan, Nova Arianto Will Rotate Players

JAKARTA - The U-17 Indonesian national team coach, Nova Arianto, did not rule out the possibility of rotating in the team against Afghanistan. The meeting between the two teams was the final match in Group C of the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup.

The match against Afghanistan will take place at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, April 11, 2025, early morning WIB.

Although the results of this match do not affect the position of the U-17 Indonesian national team which is already in a safe place to qualify for the knockout stages, Nova will provide opportunities for all players by rotating.

"What is certain is that we will try all players who have not appeared (in the match against South Korea and Yemen)."

"There are several players that we will try to show. We will try to see the situation," Nova Arianto said in a statement quoted on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Currently, the U-17 Indonesian national team is safe at the top of Group C with six points. Although still having to play one remaining match, the Garuda Muda group title is guaranteed safe.

The reason is, Indonesia U-17 has beaten South Korea and Yemen. Meanwhile, the two countries have only collected three points and the maximum can only match Indonesia's numbers.

If you look at tournament regulations, the reference for group ranking is head-to-head, then goal difference, and then goal productivity. This requirement makes Indonesia already ensure the title of Group C.

The decision to rotate the players in this Afghanistan match will give a different appearance from the U-17 Indonesian national team. You see, in the previous two matches, Nova did not make changes in the composition of the players.

The list of the first 11 players against South Korea was again selected when they met Yemen such as Evandra Florasta, I Putu Panji, Matthew Baker, Fadly Alberto, Mierza Firjatullah, Zahaby Gholy, Fabio Azka Irawan, and Daffa Al Gasemi.

From that situation, Nova wants players who have not performed to be considered to get minutes to play against Afghanistan.

Some players who have not received playing minutes include Ida Bagus Cahya, Aldyansyah Taher, Fardan Farras Prawita, and Faaris Nurhidayat.