Teknowarta – Head Coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto believes anything is possible when the Indonesia U-17 National Team faces Japan in their final Group B match of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026. The pivotal encounter is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, May 12th, as reported by ANTARA.
“We have immense respect for Japan, who have already secured their spot in the quarter-finals. They are undoubtedly a formidable team. However, in football, anything can still happen,” stated Kurniawan, in an official PSSI press release received in Jakarta on Sunday.
Indonesia’s path to the quarter-finals hinges on a dual condition: they must avoid defeat against Japan, and simultaneously hope that Qatar is overcome by China in the other decisive Group B fixture. Advancing to the final eight would be monumental, as it guarantees a coveted berth in the U-17 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Qatar.
Kurniawan openly acknowledges the formidable challenge ahead, particularly given Japan’s historical dominance across all age categories in Asian football. Despite this daunting prospect, the 49-year-old tactician remains resolute, refusing to allow his squad to be intimidated or defeated before even stepping onto the pitch.
The coach is confident that opportunities will arise, believing there are strategic avenues to exploit to secure at least one crucial point from the match. “We will fight relentlessly until the very last moment. We humbly ask for the prayers and support of the Indonesian people,” Kurniawan passionately declared.
A primary focus during the brief break before the critical clash against Japan has been enhancing the team’s mental resilience, according to Kurniawan. This aspect is deemed crucial, especially after Indonesia suffered a 0-2 defeat to Qatar in their previous fixture on Saturday, May 9th.
“Our immediate task as coaching staff and officials is to restore the players’ mental fortitude, preventing further decline. The opportunity to qualify is still very much alive and open,” Kurniawan emphasized, highlighting the team’s unwavering spirit.
The recent negative result against Qatar leaves Indonesia in third place in the provisional Group B standings of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026, with three points from two matches. They currently trail group leaders Japan, who boast six points from two games and have already confirmed their quarter-final progression, and second-placed Qatar, who also have three points from two matches. Adding to the tension, the China versus Qatar match, which could directly impact Indonesia’s fate, will also be played concurrently in Jeddah.
Summary
Head Coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto expressed optimism for the Indonesia U-17 National Team’s final AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 Group B match against already-qualified Japan on May 12th in Jeddah. Indonesia must avoid defeat against formidable Japan and hope Qatar loses to China to secure a quarter-final spot. Advancing to the quarter-finals guarantees a berth in the U-17 World Cup 2026.
Despite acknowledging Japan’s dominance, Kurniawan remains resolute, focusing on exploiting opportunities to secure at least one point. He emphasized the importance of mental resilience, especially after a recent 0-2 loss to Qatar, which left Indonesia third in Group B. The coach urged for the Indonesian people’s prayers and support as the team fights for qualification.