Indonesia U-22 Draws with Mali: Final Test Ahead of SEA Games 2025
Source: Antara/Sigid Kurniawan
The Indonesian U-22 team concluded their pre-2025 SEA Games test series with a promising result. Playing at Pakansari Stadium, Cibinong, Bogor Regency on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Indra Sjafri's squad held Mali U-22 to a 2-2 draw.
This marked Garuda Muda's second test match against Mali U-22, having previously lost 0-3 to the same opponent.
Indonesia started aggressively, with Mauro Zijlstra testing goalkeeper Mayame Sissoko twice within the first two minutes. The early intensity signaled Garuda Muda's attacking intent beyond mere defense.
READ ALSO
Ivar Jenner New Indonesia U-22 Captain, This is Kadek Arel's Surprising Response
Mali U-22 Stars Beware Indonesia Seeking Victory in Pre-SEA Games 2025 Friendly
Latest U22 Indonesia Team Schedule for 2025 SEA Games Following Group Format Changes
Mali soon seized control, with Sekou Kone converting their dominance into a 12th-minute opener for 1-0.
While Indonesia struggled to manage the tempo, Hokky Caraka's 38th-minute pressure forced a defensive error on Mali's right flank.
Mauro Zijlstra calmly finished the opportunity to equalize at 1-1 before halftime.
Garuda Muda Take Lead, Mali Respond
Mali threatened early in the second half until Daffa Fasya's crucial save kept Indonesia in contention.
Indonesia dramatically reversed fortunes in the 52nd minute: Raka Cahyana initiated a swift counterattack finished clinically by Rafael Struick for a 2-1 lead.
Mali retaliated with aggressive pressure, but Daffa Fasya heroically parried Pape Niama Sissoko's spectacular bicycle kick.
Persistent Mali pressure yielded a 71st-minute equalizer as Sekou Kone capitalized on Hamidou Makalou's assist for 2-2.
Indonesia nearly claimed victory through Dony Tri Pamungkas' 86th-minute free kick, but his powerful strike flew directly at Mayame Sissoko. The 2-2 scoreline held until full-time.
While not a win, holding physically dominant and aggressive Mali to a draw sends positive signals for Garuda Muda's upcoming 2025 SEA Games campaign.
Indonesia U-23 vs Mali U-23 lineups:
Indonesia (4-3-3) : Daffa Fasya; Raka Cahyana, Dion Markx, Kadek Arel, Muhammad Ferrari; Rivaldo Pakpahan, Ivar Jenner, Donny Tri Pamungkas; Hokky Caraka, Mauro Zijlstra, Rafael Struick.
Coach: Indra Sjafri (Indonesia)
Mali (4-2-3-1) : Mayame Sissoko; Dan Sinate, Issa Traore, Sekou Doucoure, Boubakar Dembaga; Hamidou Makalou, Sekou Kone; Ibrahima Diakite, Moulaye Haidara, Aboubacar Sidibe; Pape Niama Sissoko.
Coach: Fousseni Diawara (Mali)
