Coach Akira Unsatisfied with 3-1 Win, Garuda Pertiwi Still Pursues Semifinal Ticket
Source: All-Indonesia Football Association
The Indonesian women's national team finally recorded their first victory at the 2025 SEA Games. However, instead of getting swept up in the euphoria, head coach Akira Higashiyama emphasized that the 3-1 result over Singapore was not something to be celebrated excessively. There's a big reason behind that stance: Indonesia needs a decisive win to keep their hopes of advancing from Group A alive.
The match, held at Chonburi Stadium, Thailand, on Sunday evening, December 7, 2025, showcased the emotional rollercoaster typical of major tournaments. Indonesia was stung first by Nur Farhanah's goal in the 22nd minute, suddenly making the match atmosphere tense. The wounds from the 0-8 loss in the opening match against Thailand were still fresh, and the early concession made it seem like the situation was repeating.
However, that setback sparked new energy. The Garuda Pertiwi players responded with fierce determination. Attacks began flowing more cohesively, pressing intensity increased, and courage in duels visibly surged. The momentum shifted in the 31st minute with Isa Warps' goal breaking the deadlock and reviving the team's confidence.
READ ALSO
Calvin Verdonk's solid performance in defeating Angers propelled Lille to intensify the competition for the top spots in Ligue 1.
Janice and Rifqi Advance to Semifinals, Convincing Tennis Performance
Poor Ending, Garuda Muda Succumb to Philippines
The second half became a stage for substitutes. Claudia Scheunemann scored in the 62nd minute, before Aulia Al Mabruroh sealed the victory in the 90+5 stoppage time. Three goals, three different scorers, all coming from collective movements showing the team has promising squad depth.
Despite this, Higashiyama refused to be satisfied.
"The score is 3-1, so we are not satisfied with this result. We are focused on the next match," he stated firmly, quoted from the PSSI release.
He then added appreciation for the players.
"I appreciate the players for this success."
Group A Calculations Still Heated
This win lifted Indonesia to second place in the group standings with three points, level with group leaders Thailand. Singapore, yet to earn any points, sits at the bottom. However, the path to the semifinals isn't entirely secure for Garuda Pertiwi yet.
Indonesia now depends on the Thailand vs. Singapore duel on Wednesday (12/10). The scenario is simple: if Thailand wins, Indonesia secures a semifinal ticket. But if Singapore manages to steal points, the situation could become complicated and hinge on goal difference – something that makes the 3-1 score feel insufficient for Akira.
Big Target: SEA Games Gold Medal
If they successfully reach the semifinals, Akira has already asserted his team's ambition.
"If we advance from the group stage, of course our target is to win the SEA Games championship," he declared with conviction.
That ambition isn't without reason. Indonesian women's football is in a development phase, and a major achievement in a regional tournament could provide a positive foundation for further progress. Moreover, Vietnam, the 2023 SEA Games champion who defeated Myanmar 2-0 in the final, demonstrated that dominance can be built with consistency and courage.
With increasingly solid performances, players gaining confidence, and a coach demanding high standards, Garuda Pertiwi has significant capital to spring a surprise. The next challenge is maintaining focus and ensuring momentum isn't lost at crucial moments.
