U-17 Asian Cup 2026: Beat China, Indonesia Level on Points with Japan

Wednesday, 6 May 2026 | 08:00

Author: Arif S

Arsip - Pelatih Indonesia U-17 Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto.
Source: Antara Foto/Umarul Faruq

Summary

1. Indonesia U-17 secured a crucial 1-0 victory against China U-17 in their opening Group B match at the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

2. Keanu Sanjaya scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute, securing three points despite Indonesia facing sustained pressure throughout the game.

3. The win places Indonesia level with Japan U-17 in the group standings, significantly boosting their prospects for advancing to the knockout stage.

Indonesia U-17 began their Group B campaign in the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over China U-17. This result earned Garuda Muda three points, matching Japan U-17 at the top of the Standings, trailing only on goal difference.

Despite China dominating the match, Indonesia played disciplined Football and patiently waited for opportunities. The team coached by Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto struggled to build attacks in the first half, while China failed to convert repeated pressure into goals.

Indonesia's best first-half chance came from Ichiro Akbar in the 33rd minute, but Goalkeeper Qin Ziniu made the save.

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Controversy arose when Chico Jericho went down in the penalty area, but referee Abdullah Dhafer Al Shehri didn't award a spot kick.

China maintained control after halftime, but goalkeeper Mike Rajasa's heroic performance proved decisive, particularly when he denied Kong Xinuo's golden opportunity in the 62nd minute.

Indonesia had a headed goal disallowed in the 68th minute for handball. As the match seemed headed for a draw, Keanu Sanjaya became the hero in the 87th minute, converting Matthew Baker's lofted pass into the winning goal.

The goal secured all three points for Indonesia despite enduring sustained pressure throughout.

In the other match, Japan overcame a deficit to defeat Qatar 3-1, topping the group on goal difference.

After conceding to Ayokunle Tokode in the 25th minute, Samurai Blue responded with three unanswered goals.

The four-time champions scored through Kakeru Saito and a Maki Kitahara brace to seal the 3-1 comeback victory, placing Japan atop the standings.

These results have intensified Group B's competition. Indonesia next faces Qatar U-17 before a decisive showdown against Japan, battling for both a Quarter Finals spot and Qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Quick Answer

Indonesia U-17 Beats China 1-0 in Crucial AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Opener

Indonesia U-17 secured a vital 1-0 victory against China U-17 in their opening Group B match of the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup. Keanu Sanjaya scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute. This win places Indonesia level on points with Japan at the top of the group standings.

Indonesia U-17 defeated China U-17 1-0 in their Group B opener at the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
Keanu Sanjaya scored the winning goal in the 87th minute after sustained Chinese pressure.
The victory gives Indonesia three points, matching Japan's tally in Group B.
Goalkeeper Mike Rajasa made crucial saves to preserve the result.
Indonesia faces Qatar next before a decisive match against group leaders Japan.

Indonesia U-17 kicked off their Group B campaign in the 2026 AFC U-17 Asian Cup with a crucial 1-0 victory over China U-17. A late goal from Keanu Sanjaya in the 87th minute secured all three points for Garuda Muda, placing them level with Japan at the top of the group standings.

Match Highlights

Despite China dominating possession and applying sustained pressure, Indonesia played a disciplined defensive game. The first half saw limited chances for Indonesia, with goalkeeper Qin Ziniu saving Ichiro Akbar's effort in the 33rd minute. Controversy arose when Chico Jericho went down in the penalty area without a call.

China continued to control the game after halftime, but Indonesian goalkeeper Mike Rajasa proved decisive, making a superb save to deny Kong Xinuo's clear opportunity in the 62nd minute. Indonesia had a headed goal disallowed for handball in the 68th minute.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Keanu Sanjaya emerged as the hero. He latched onto Matthew Baker's lofted pass in the 87th minute and converted it into the winning goal, securing a hard-fought victory for Indonesia.

Group Standings

In the other Group B fixture, Japan overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Qatar 3-1, with goals from Kakeru Saito and a brace from Maki Kitahara. This result means Japan leads the group on goal difference, while Indonesia sits second with identical points. The win significantly boosts Indonesia's prospects for advancing to the knockout stage and qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Indonesia next faces Qatar U-17, setting the stage for a decisive final group match against Japan as they battle for a quarter-final spot.