Indonesian U-20 National Team vs Iran: Young Garuda Falls 0-3

In a disappointing start at the 2025 AFC U20 Asian Cup, the Indonesian U-20 National Team, known as the Young Garuda, suffered a 3-0 defeat against Iran in their Group C opener at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium in China.

The match kicked off with Iran taking an early lead when Hesam Nafari scored in the 5th minute off an assist from Esmaeil Gholizadeh. This set the tone for what would be a challenging day for Indonesia. Iran's dominance continued into the second half, with Gholizadeh adding to their tally in the 63rd minute, showcasing his prowess on the field by not only scoring but also providing another assist. Mobin Dehghan sealed the victory for Iran in the 70th minute with a goal assisted by Gholizadeh, making it a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Despite Indonesia's preparations, which included rigorous training camps in Japan, South Korea, and Jakarta, along with participation in the Toulon Tournament, the team struggled to find their rhythm against a tactically superior Iranian side. Coach Indra Sjafri had emphasized the importance of this first match, but the team's inability to counter Iran's set-piece strategies and high pressing game left much to be desired.

The loss places Indonesia at the bottom of Group C, where they will next face Yemen, aiming to bounce back from this setback. The fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with many highlighting the need for better anticipation of aerial balls and more effective open-play strategies.

As the tournament progresses, the Young Garuda will need to regroup and adapt quickly if they are to make an impact in this competitive group, which also includes strong teams like Uzbekistan. The match against Yemen, scheduled for Sunday, will be crucial for Indonesia's hopes of advancing in the tournament.