After 7-0 Loss to China, Nova Arianto Considers Adding Diaspora Players to Indonesia U-17 National Team

Indonesian National Team Coach Nova Arianto emphasized that the Garuda Muda U-17 squad's door remains open for adding players, including from the diaspora pathway, after two test matches against China U-17. A thorough evaluation will form the basis for decision-making ahead of major Asian-level tournaments.

Indonesia previously suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat against China in the first test match held at Indomilk Arena, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Sunday. From the current squad composition, the U-17 National Team only has one Diaspora Player, Nicholas Indra Mjoesund, who plays for Norwegian club Rosenborg BK.

"We will observe with these two matches, and we will see whether we need to add new players again or need to look for more diaspora players or need international test matches," Nova said in a post-match press conference on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Regarding the Player Selection process for the diaspora, Nova stated it would be coordinated with the New Coach, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, who is also involved in the team's development process. Adding diaspora players is one strategic option in preparations for the 2026 U-17 Asian Cup, scheduled for late April.

In that tournament, the Indonesian U-17 National Team is required to advance from the group stage or at least reach the Quarter-Finals to secure a ticket to the 2026 U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Before appearing in the Asian Cup, Garuda Muda is also scheduled to participate in the ASEAN U-17 Championship, which will be held in Indonesia.

"That's what we will try to evaluate so that our tradition of reaching the World Cup can be achieved," Nova said.

Nova also dismissed suggestions that the defeat against China was due to a lack of chemistry among the players. He emphasized that most of the squad are used to playing together in the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) U-18 competition under the name Garuda United U-18.

That team dominated, topping the EPA U-18 Standings after collecting 55 points from 22 matches, resulting from 18 wins, one Draw, and three losses, scoring 62 goals and conceding only 15.

"They have worked together for five months. And they played in the EPA, but indeed, as I conveyed earlier, the intensity of the matches and the pressure are certainly different," Nova said.

"And that's what the players must learn from this match: how when they face pressing from the opponent, how the players can get out of it. That's what becomes, what becomes our evaluation. And the hope is that the players learn more from this match," he added.

For the second test match against China, Nova plans to rotate the squad and give playing time to all 28 players called up. The match will be held on Wednesday (11/2) at 18:30 WIB, again at Indomilk Arena.

"I think we will try all available players. Hopefully, we can assess them," concluded Nova.