Indonesia’s Under-23 team kicks off its SEA Games 2025 campaign today against the Philippines, marking the start of their pursuit of a gold medal in men’s football.Head coach Indra sjafri has announced a starting lineup with a few unexpected choices for the match at the 700 Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai [[2]]. The surprising selections signal a tactical approach as Indonesia seeks a strong start in Group C.
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Indonesia U-23 head coach Indra Sjafri has sprung a pair of surprises with his starting lineup for Monday’s, December 8th, match against the Philippines in the SEA Games 2025 tournament.
The most notable change sees Muhammad Ferarri slotted into the starting defense at 700 Anniversary Stadium in Chiang Mai.
Ferarri hadn’t featured in either of the team’s recent friendly matches against Mali U-23, and was limited to a substitute role against India U-23. This selection marks a return to a familiar partnership for the Bhayangkara FC player, having previously formed a central defensive pairing with Kadek Arel under former coach Gerald Vanenburg during the 2023 AFF U-23 Championship and 2026 AFC U-23 Championship qualifying.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The second surprise comes in the form of Rayhan Hannan’s inclusion in the starting eleven. The young Persija player was unavailable for the friendly against Mali U-23 due to injury, and his return adds an attacking dimension to the Indonesian midfield.
Alongside Arel and Ferarri, the defense will also feature Dion Markx and Raka Cahyana, who is expected to operate as a right-back.
In midfield, Hannan will link up with Ivar Jenner and Rivaldo Pakpahan, with Hannan taking on an attacking midfield role and Pakpahan anchoring the midfield as a defensive presence.
Up front, the attacking trio will consist of Rafael Struivck, Mauro Zijlstra, and Doni Tri Pamungkas. Interestingly, Pamungkas, typically a left-back, has been deployed as a winger in recent friendlies, a tactical shift that coach Sjafri deemed effective.
(abs/ikw/jal)
fbq('init', '1047303935301449'); fbq('track', "PageView");
