Katarina Stalin Inspired The Victory Of The U-17 Indonesian Women's National Team In The Opening Match Of The 2026 Asian Cup Qualification

Katarina Stalin contributed one goal in the U-17 Indonesian Women's National Team's victory over Macau 2-0 (doc. Indonesian national team).

JAKARTA - The U-17 Indonesian Women's National Team started a brilliant move in Group C of the 2026 U-17 Women's Asian Cup Qualification with a 2-0 win over Macau on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Padaythar Football Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar.

Since the initial whistle, Garuda Pertiwi Muda appeared dominant and immediately took over possession of the ball. Meanwhile, Macau defended more meetings and waited for opportunities through counter-attacks.

The first chance came in the 10th minute through Shifana Rizka, but his left foot kick was still saved by Macau goalkeeper Chong Weng Lam.

Five minutes later, Shipana again threatened through a right-footed flick using a corner, but his efforts still did not meet the target.

In the 22nd minute, Shifana sent a mature pull pass to Nafeeza Ayasha Nori, but her left foot kick still bounced over the bar.

Pressure by pressure continued to be exerted by Garuda Pertiwi Muda until finally coach Timo Scheunemann made a tactical change by including Diva Aulia replacing Keysha Bulgamin in the 35th minute.

Towards halftime, Indonesia almost took the lead with Nafeeza's strike hitting the crossbar (41'). Another chance of a free kick in injury time can still be parried by goalkeeper Macau. The first half ended without a goal.

Entering the second half, Indonesia Putri U-17 did not relax the attack. Dian Aprilia entered to replace Indira Fatima to add new personnel in midfield.

Pertiwi Muda's hard efforts finally paid off in the 56th minute. Nafeeza Ayasha's corner was met by captain Jazlyn Kayla's header to put Indonesia Putri U-17 1-0 up.

Four minutes later, a similar scheme bore fruit again. Katarina Stalin scored the second goal with a header after taking advantage of Nafeeza's corner.

Katarina Stalin was later named Woman of the Match. He said he was grateful to be able to score and help the team achieve perfect results in the first match.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to play for the Indonesian Women's National Team. I am very happy with the results, we won 2-0."

"I want to thank all my teammates who made me able to play well and score goals. It feels great," said Katarina after the match.

Katarina assessed that her team appeared solid and was able to carry out the coach's instructions well throughout the match. Even so, he assessed that his team should have scored more goals.

"I feel we are playing very well. We are trying to build attacks from behind, but the opponent plays with a pretty low defensive line."

"So, we tried to twist the ball from behind, to the right and left, and I think it went very well for us," he said.

The 2-0 advantage made the Timo coach breathe a little relieved. He also did a number of rotations. Oedaijah Oshea came in to replace Jimbaran Jihan, while Vivi Vera replaced Nafeeza who appeared to be injured (66'). In the 77th minute, it was goalkeeper Alleana Ayu's turn to be pulled out and replaced by Fairus Khalisa Putri.

Despite making several changes, Indonesia Putri U-17 almost recorded a third goal through Katarina in the 87th minute. However, his long-range shot hit the bar. Until the game was over, the score 2-0 for Garuda Pertiwi Muda did not change.

This victory is a valuable capital for the U-17 Indonesian Women's National Team, which now collects the first three points in Group C.

Furthermore, they will face Myanmar on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Thuwunna Stadium. Victory will be the main target to keep the chances of qualifying for the 2026 U-17 Women's Asian Cup finals in China.

Katarina emphasized that her team will remain focused and try to perform even better.

"We will definitely enjoy this victory, but still try to push ourselves even harder so we can get good results and qualify for China."

"Thank you very much for the support of Indonesian supporters. I am very excited to look forward to what will happen in the future," said Katarina again.