Indonesia U-17 vs. Afghanistan: Schedule, Qualification Scenarios, and Group A Standings

JAKARTA, JurnalPost.com - The Indonesia U-17 national team will face Afghanistan in the third match of Group A of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027, on Tuesday, November 17 2026. The duel, which will take place in Myanmar, is one of the most decisive matches for the Garuda Muda in their bid for a ticket to the final tournament.

Indonesia enters the match with the momentum of two consecutive victories. After defeating the Philippines 3-0 on Wednesday (11/11/2026), the squad coached by David Nascimento secured another three points with a 2-0 win over Cambodia on Saturday (14/11/2026).

These results have given Indonesia six points from two matches. However, the Garuda Muda remain in second place in the Group A standings, just behind Afghanistan, who lead on goal difference.

The meeting between the two teams on November 17 is an opportunity for Indonesia to take over the top spot. However, a win in this match does not automatically guarantee qualification, as there is still one final match remaining against the hosts, Myanmar.

Schedule for Indonesia U-17 vs. Afghanistan, November 17 2026

Based on the official Asian Football Confederation (AFC) schedule updated on November 6 2026, the match between Afghanistan and Indonesia will proceed as follows.

• Match: Afghanistan U-17 vs. Indonesia U-17

• Competition: AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027

• Group: A

• Day/Date: Tuesday, November 17 2026

• Kick-off: 15.30 WIB / 16.30 WITA

• Stadium: Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, Myanmar

This match is scheduled to be broadcast on SCTV, Indosiar, and the Vidio streaming service. Viewers are advised to double-check the broadcast schedule closer to the match as changes may occur.

Indonesia and Afghanistan are the two teams that have yet to drop points in the Group A competition. Both teams also have two matches remaining, so the result of this direct encounter has the potential to significantly alter the competitive landscape.

Indonesia Enters with Two Consecutive Wins

Indonesia's journey in this qualification round began with a positive result, defeating the Philippines 3-0.

Dhamar Tri Kusuma stood out after scoring two goals, while I Dewa Gede Majesta Sandhya rounded off the victory with a goal in the second half.

That momentum continued when Indonesia faced Cambodia at the Starcity Sports Club Stadium, Thanlyin, on Saturday (14/11/2026).

The Garuda Muda opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a shot by Dolvi Theofilus Solossa from outside the penalty box. The ball, which deflected off an opposing player, managed to get past the Cambodian goalkeeper.

Indonesia then doubled their lead in the 35th minute via a header from Melki Alvando Caussy Yatipai after receiving a cross from Chico Jericho Yarangga.

Although they continued to press throughout the second half, Indonesia was unable to add more goals. The match ended 2-0 in favor of the Garuda Muda.

Coach David Nascimento admitted that his team had hoped to win by a larger margin.

“Of course, we managed to win the match, but we actually wanted to score more goals,” said Nascimento after facing Cambodia.

These two victories demonstrate Indonesia's positive development, especially in the defense, which has yet to concede a goal. However, the effectiveness of their finishing remains a concern ahead of the match against Afghanistan.

Latest Group A Standings for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027

As of Saturday, November 14 2026, Afghanistan still leads the standings with six points and a goal difference of plus six.

Indonesia follows in second place with the same number of points but a goal difference of plus five.

The following are the latest Group A standings after the Indonesia vs. Cambodia match and Myanmar vs. the Philippines.

Note: GD is goal difference. Standings as of November 14 2026.

Afghanistan began the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Myanmar before defeating Cambodia 3-0.

Meanwhile, Myanmar kept their hopes alive after defeating the Philippines 3-1. This result keeps the hosts in contention for the top spot.

Scenarios for Indonesia to Qualify for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027

The Group A competition uses a single-round robin format. Each participant plays four matches, with only the group winner advancing to the final tournament.

This means it is not enough for Indonesia to simply maintain second place. The Garuda Muda must finish the qualification phase at the top of the standings.

There are several scenarios that will determine Indonesia's chances.

1. Indonesia wins against Afghanistan

A victory would give Indonesia nine points and move them to the top of the standings.

If Indonesia then at least draws against Myanmar on November 20, their point total would reach ten. This would be enough to ensure Indonesia becomes the group winner without depending on other matches.

2. Indonesia draws against Afghanistan

A draw would leave both teams with seven points.

Indonesia would still have a chance to become the group winner by defeating Myanmar in the final match. However, qualification would also be determined by the result of Afghanistan's match against the Philippines and potential goal difference calculations if both teams finish the competition with the same number of points.

3. Indonesia loses to Afghanistan

A loss would leave Afghanistan with nine points, while Indonesia would remain at six points.

Even if Indonesia were to defeat Myanmar in the final match and match Afghanistan's nine points, Indonesia would remain below Afghanistan based on the head-to-head result.

Therefore, a loss to Afghanistan would end Indonesia's chances of winning Group A based on AFC ranking criteria.

Afghanistan is the Garuda Muda's Toughest Test

Afghanistan is an opponent that needs to be watched closely after performing productively in their first two matches.

Seven goals from two victories demonstrate their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Afghanistan also had a longer rest period before facing Indonesia, as they did not play on November 14.

Nascimento realizes that this condition could be an advantage for the opponent, especially in terms of player fitness.

Indonesia needs to maintain a balance between attacking and defending. The courage to press from the start must be balanced with vigilance against Afghanistan's counter-attacks.

Melki Alvando, who scored against Cambodia, expressed the team's readiness for the next match.

“Cambodia defended very well, and we will fight hard to beat Afghanistan,” said Melki.

In addition to the strength of the front line, the concentration of Indonesia's defense will be a crucial factor in maintaining their clean sheet record.

Remaining Group A Match Schedule

In addition to facing Afghanistan, Indonesia is also scheduled to meet hosts Myanmar in the final match.

The following are the two remaining matches that will determine Indonesia's final position.

Tuesday, November 17 2026

Afghanistan vs. Indonesia — 15.30 WIB / 16.30 WITA.

Friday, November 20 2026

Indonesia vs. Myanmar — 15.30 WIB / 16.30 WITA.

On the same date, Afghanistan will also face the Philippines.

The final tournament of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 is scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan from May 12–29 2027, with 16 participating countries.

From the seven qualification groups, only the seven group winners will receive tickets. They will join the nine countries that have already secured automatic qualification.

For Indonesia, the match against Afghanistan is not just an effort to maintain their winning streak. The result of that match will be highly decisive in whether the Garuda Muda can continue their journey toward the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027.