December 8, 2025 | 09:45 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s U-23 national team will kick off their 2025 SEA Games campaign against the Philippines in Group C on Monday, December 8.
The match will take place at 06:00 PM WIB at Chiang Mai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium and will be broadcast live on RCTI and Vision+.
The squad led by head coach Indra Sjafri gained extra preparation time following a reshuffle in the competition schedule.
Indonesia was initially slated to face Singapore last Friday, but Cambodia’s withdrawal due to security concerns prompted the organizers to revise the fixtures.
Singapore was then transferred to Group A alongside host Thailand and Timor Leste, reducing Group C to three teams: Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
Having arrived in Thailand on November 28, the Indonesian squad has undergone intensive training ahead of their opening fixture.
“We remain focused on improving our preparations and strategies for the first match against the Philippines,” the team stated via the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) media channel on December 3.
Indra and his 23 selected players traveled to Chiang Mai on Saturday afternoon, December 6. The 62-year-old coach acknowledged that the schedule change offered more time to refine the team’s readiness.
Indonesia will be bolstered by three overseas-based players: Ivar Jenner (FC Utrecht), Mauro Zijlstra (FC Volendam), and Dion Markx (TOP Oss).
Initially, midfielder Marselino Ferdinan of AS Trencin had been included in the squad but withdrew due to a hamstring injury. His place was filled by Persik Kediri’s Rifqi Ray.
Marselino’s absence leaves two remaining members of the gold-medal-winning squad from the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games: Muhammad Ferarri (Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC) and Ananda Raehan (PSM Makassar).
Since being appointed in late September, Indra oversaw two centralized training camps in October and November.
Four friendlies against India and Mali offered valuable insight into the squad’s development, despite Indonesia recording one draw and one defeat against each opponent.
Notably, midfielder Ivar Jenner displayed strong leadership as captain in the match against Mali.
Assessing the Philippines
Another advantage for Indonesia comes from having been able to observe their group rivals early.
The Philippines defeated Myanmar 2–0 in the group opener last Friday, with goals from Alex James Weathers Monis and a Myanmar own goal.
Head of PSSI’s National Team Committee, Sumardji, said coach Indra had studied the match closely.
“If we talk about readiness, all players are ready to compete,” he told Tempo on Sunday, December 7.
Indra previously led Indonesia to victory over the Philippines in the 2023 SEA Games group stage with a 3–0 scoreline en route to winning gold. Ahead of this year’s opener, all players are reported to be in top physical condition.
“Mentally, the team is solid and fully prepared,” Sumardji added.
Probable Line-ups
Indonesia:
Daffa Fasya (GK); Kadek Arel, Kakang Rudianto, Dion Markx; Raka Cahyana, Ivar Jenner (C), Rivaldo Pakpahan, Doni Tri Pamungkas; Rahmat Arjuna, Mauro Zijlstra, Rafael Struick.
Coach: Indra Sjafri
Philippines:
Nicolas Guimaraes (GK); Noah Leddel, Sandro Reyes, Alex Monis; Rosquillo, Dylan Demuynck, Gavin Muens; Antoine Ortega, Mariona, Banatao, Santiago Rublico.
Coach: Garrath McPherson
Match Outlook
Indonesia is expected to push aggressively from the opening whistle as they seek an early advantage.
With Jenner commanding the midfield, Garuda Muda has the potential to control possession and build attacks from the center.
Wide-area play is also anticipated to be key in breaking through the Philippines’ back line. Indonesia must defensively stay alert to the Azkals’ rapid transitions and counterattacking threats.
Given their preparation and squad depth, Indonesia enters the match as strong favorites to secure the first three points.
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