Arkhan Kaka Putra, Indonesia's First Goalprinter At The World Cup!

Arkhan Kaka Putra, an Indonesian U-17 striker who became an Indonesian hero in the inaugural match. (photo: dock. special)

JAKARTA Arkhan Kaka Putra, an Indonesian U-17 striker, broke the deadlock in the first match of the Group A phase against Ecuador U-17. In the 22nd minute at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT), Surabaya, East Java, Friday, November 10 evening WIB, he made his first goal for Garuda Merah Putih in this prestigious event.

The 16-year-old took advantage of the less perfect anticipation of Ecuadorian goalkeeper Cristhian Loor as he tried to stem Riski Afrisal's flat ball.

Arkhan was previously predicted to be Indonesia's hope. He is included in five players from Asia who are expected to shine in the 2023 Indonesian U-17 World Cup.

Arkhan's name was first in the limelight at the 2022 AFF U-16 Cup. At that time, he helped Garuda Muda lift the title for the event involving the countries of Southeast Asia.

After that Arkhan moved up to the U-17 age group. In the group after this he even scored four goals against Guam in the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Arkhan is considered a striker with high goal instincts. He is also considered a smart player with very good goalscoring skills.

The player from Blitar started his football career in his hometown. He is noted to have played for PSBK Blitar and is part of the Bhayangkara FC club U-16 team.

Then in February 2022, Purwanto and Kaka's children were recruited by Persis Solo. He was tied up by the club until February 21, 2027.

The player who was born on September 2, 2007, was then trusted to make his debut with the Persis senior team in the 32nd week of the Indonesian League 1 2022/2023 against Persib Bandung.

At that time he was included in the 70th minute replacing Irfan Bachdim. When he made Arkhan's debut, he was only 15 years old, seven months old, and two days old. The player with a height of 187 cm., now holds the status of the youngest player to make his debut in the era of League 1.

Arkhan also has thick football blood. His father, Purwanto is a former U-19 national team player. The former Persebaya striker, who in his youth was nicknamed Si Black, is a tandem from Indonesian legend Bambang Pamungkas. Indeed, the fruit fell not far from the tree.