Indonesia U-17 National Team Dominates AFF U-17 Championship Group A

The Indonesian U-17 national team began its 2026 AFF U-17 Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory over Timor Leste on Monday, April 13, 2026. The match, held at the Stadion Joko Samudro in Gresik, established the squad at the top of the Group A standings.

Under the leadership of head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, the Indonesian side, known as Garuda Asia, maintained total dominance throughout the encounter. The team demonstrated tactical cohesion and aggression that limited Timor Leste’s ability to maintain possession or create offensive opportunities.

Strategic Collaboration and Preparation

The performance has been linked to a strategic collaboration between the youth and senior levels of the national team. Coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto identified the strategic role played by senior national team coach John Herdman in the team’s development.

According to Kurniawan, Herdman provided critical input and guidance during the squad’s training camp in March 2026. This preparation included simulation exercises designed to prepare the young players for the mental and physical pressures of international competition.

This synergy is part of a broader initiative to implement a unified footballing philosophy across all Indonesian national team age groups. The goal is to ensure that youth players are integrated into a system that reflects the intensity and expectations of the senior squad.

Group A Standings and Competition

Indonesia currently shares the top spot in Group A with Vietnam. Both teams opened their campaigns with identical 4-0 victories at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium. While Indonesia defeated Timor Leste, Vietnam secured a 4-0 win against Malaysia.

As of April 14, 2026, both Indonesia and Vietnam hold three points each with a +4 goal difference. Conversely, Malaysia and Timor Leste sit at the bottom of the group with zero points and a -4 goal difference.

Tournament Schedule and Other Groups

Action in the 2026 AFF U-17 Cup continues across other groups. Group C fixtures took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo, featuring Brunei Darussalam against Cambodia and Australia against Singapore.

Group B matches are scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Stadion Joko Samudro in Gresik. The schedule is as follows:

• The Philippines vs Laos at 03:30 PM WIB
• Myanmar vs Thailand at 07:30 PM WIB

Team Background

The Indonesia U-17 team, also referred to by the nicknames Garuda Muda (The Young Garuda) and Merah Putih (The Red and White), is controlled by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI). The current squad is captained by Putu Ekayana.

The team has a history of success in the region, having won the AFF U-16 Youth Championship in 2018 and 2022. On the global stage, the team has made two appearances in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, reaching the group stage in both 2023 and 2025.