NMI is 0-2 in U17 Asian Cup 

The NMI U17 Men’s National Soccer Team have lost two in a row in their three-game campaign in the Asian Football Confederation U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers last Thursday and Saturday in Salmiya, Kuwait.

There are 10 groups in the tournament, with the NMI in Group G.

In their most recent game last Saturday against Indonesia, they conceded less goals, 0-10, than in their debut against Australia in which they lost, 0-19.

Indonesia stole the show early with a 2-0 lead just eight minutes in after goals by Muhamad Zahaby Gholy. They only went up from there as the young islanders scrambled to fortify their defenses, but conceded five more goals.

Muhammad Aldyanshah Taher scored in the 16th and 24th; Evanda Florasta in the 21st; and I Komang Gelgel added two in the 23rd and the 43rd for a 7-0 game.

The NMI team tried to regroup in the second half, but Indonesia continued to pummel their goal. Ida Bagus Pramana found the net in the 68th, Daniel Afrido scored in the 88th, and Fadly Alberto Hengga netted the last goal in two minutes extra time, 90+2.

As for their first matchup against a formidable Australian team, the NMI took a beating but didn’t let that crush their spirits and came back better against Indonesia.

Australia’s Anthony Didulica was the star as he collected five goals from the 25th, 26th, 38th, 45+1, and 58th minutes.

Max Anastasio followed behind with a hat-trick in the 35th, 49th, and 83rd, while Quinn Macnicol mirrored him with three goals as well in the 8th, 24th, and 70th.

Amlani Tatu then pocketed two in the 4th and 17th; Alexander Garbowski slotted two as well in the 11th and 31st; Max Naylor scored in the 69th and 84th; Nickolas Alfaro had one goal in the 37th; and Jay Maltz contributed one as well in the 60th.

Today is the NMI’s final game in the tourney against host Kuwait.

Manager Khristelle Itaas said after their match against Indonesia, “Before lunch, the team met to go over our objectives for the match. The boys also watched footage from their last game against Australia to see what they did well and what they could improve.”

In the match, she said, “We had a tough start, but the boys found their rhythm toward the end of the first half. In the second half, they did a great job of stopping most of Indonesia’s attacks. It was clear how much effort the boys put in, constantly fighting to win the ball back and keep Indonesia from scoring. The match ended with Indonesia winning, 10-0, but I believe the boys gained a lot of confidence compared to their first match.”

She added, “Thank you all for supporting us throughout this tournament. We’re excited to see the boys give their best in this final match.”

The team consists of 23 players—Edward Arriola III, Gauis Ranada, Nolan Ngewakl, Riku Takahashi, Yutaka Kadokura, Aiden Camacho, Chan Woong Yeom, Chan Seo Yeom, Rooney Gil, Terrel Kileleman-Hix, Benetton Haro, Akoni Matsumoto, Kian Estolas, Theo Joab, Taiga Namai-Scoggins, Jayson Tagabuel, Jack Raho, Taher Shakir, John Quidato, Eamon Tang, David Xing, Moshe Sikkel, and Mark Costales.

They are joined by head coach Konomi Suzuki, assistant coach Jireh Yobech, goalkeeper coach Takumi Kanda, Itaas, equipment manager Bernadette Horey, and team doctor/physiotherapist Hazel Mabasa.