Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesia's U-17 national team achieved a crucial victory in their opening match of the 2025 AFC U-17 Championship Qualifiers, defeating host nation Kuwait 1-0 on Wednesday night (23/10/2024).

The only goal of the match was scored by Mathew Ryan Baker, an Australian-born defender, in the first half at Abdullah Al Khalifa Stadium in Kuwait, as reported by antaranews.com.

This win placed Indonesia temporarily at the top of Group G with three points from one match. The group features four teams, and Australia will play the Northern Mariana Islands three hours after Indonesia's kickoff at 5.30 local time.

Under coach Nova Arianto, the Indonesian team started aggressively. After a missed free-kick attempt from Muhamad Gholy in the fourth minute, Indonesia took the lead just four minutes later. Gholy delivered a corner kick that Baker headed into the net, putting Indonesia ahead 1-0, a score that remained until halftime.

In the second half, Kuwait improved their performance, but Indonesia's defense held strong. In the final minutes, Kuwaiti goalkeeper Ahmad Alshawaf made crucial saves against shots from Gholy and Baker. A late defensive error nearly allowed Kuwait to score, but Indonesia ultimately achieved their first three points in the qualifiers.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)