Indonesia’s U-16 girls gain ground toward future development
Indonesia’s U-16 girls mounted a strong campaign to place second in the Srikandi Merdeka Cup, notching up a solid record and gaining sharper international exposure, but the real test now lies in turning a promising run into sustained player development.
Indonesia's under-16 girls' soccer team secured a second-place finish in the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026, following a narrow 0-1 loss to Thailand in the final match on Sunday. The tournament, held from August 14 to 23 at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, Central Java, brought together teams from six Southeast Asian nations. Indonesia showcased a strong performance, winning four out of five games and scoring 14 goals throughout the competition.
The team's best result came in the semifinal against Jordan, where they won 3-0. However, their efforts were thwarted in the final as Thailand's Kawinthida Kikuntod scored a goal in the 23rd minute, securing the championship title. Despite their runner-up position, Indonesia's efforts gained international exposure and provided valuable experience for player development.
Coach Timo Scheunemann emphasized the importance of the tournament beyond the final score, highlighting the opportunity for the young players to test themselves against a top Southeast Asian soccer power.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
