Mali U-22 Stars Beware Indonesia Seeking Victory in Pre-SEA Games 2025 Friendly

Indonesia U-22 will face Mali U-22 again in their second friendly match at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor Regency, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 20:00 WIB. This test is not just part of the FIFA calendar but also a challenge of reaction, character, and readiness for Garuda Muda ahead of the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

For Mali, their convincing 3-0 victory in the first encounter hasn't reduced their intensity. Coach Fousseni Diawara emphasized that the second duel remains a serious stage for his team.

"In football, nothing is easy. That's the Malian football mentality. Indonesia is a good team, we're sure of that. We'll approach this match seriously. In football, small details matter," Diawara stated after training at Gelora Bung Karno Field A, Jakarta.

Mali Rotates But Still Targets Victory

Despite their advantage, Mali doesn't view this match as a chance to relax. Diawara confirmed lineup changes but not a shift in ambition.

"The goal is to play a good match and give opportunities to players who haven't played much before. We know we'll face a good team that lost the first match and definitely wants to win the second. So we must stay focused and serious to deliver a good performance," he explained.

In other words, Mali approaches this match as if it were a tournament decider—a warning to Indonesia.

Garuda Muda, defeated in the previous match, is predicted to show different energy. Attention will focus on how they react under pressure, especially before their home crowd.

Doucore Wary of All Indonesian Players

Sekou Doucore, one of Mali's stars in the first match, embodies Mali's caution. Despite scoring first, he knows Indonesia comes with strong motivation. He stressed the second match won't be the same as Indonesia seeks victory.

"I think the Indonesian team has several very good players. But it’s true their captain stood out in that match," said the FC Nantes player, praising Ivar Jenner's performance.

However, Doucore also warned Mali wouldn’t fixate on one name.

"Although he’s a good player, we won’t focus only on him. There are many other good players in the team, so we’ll focus on the entire squad," he added.

This second Indonesia-Mali meeting becomes more intriguing not because of the previous scoreline, but due to the emotional dynamics surrounding it.

Indonesia must show a response after the 0-3 defeat. Meanwhile, Mali wants to prove consistency despite rotating players.

Indonesia needs evidence they can rise, while Mali aims to show their quality wasn’t a one-match fluke.