Indonesia to play three soccer friendlies ahead of 2025 U-17 Asian Cup

JAKARTA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will play three soccer friendlies against China, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia as part of its preparations for the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup, with hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 U-17 World Cup, a senior official said on Friday.

Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association, Erick Thohir, announced that the team will face China on March 20, the UAE on March 26, and Australia on March 29. All three matches will take place in the UAE.

"As planned, our U-17 national team will depart for the UAE on March 15 for a training camp," said Erick, who also serves as Indonesia's Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.

He noted that the team's goal is to finish among the top eight in the Asian Cup, which would secure its qualification for the 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

"The eight best-ranked teams will qualify for the U-17 World Cup," Erick said.

The Indonesian U-17 team will begin their Asian Cup campaign by facing South Korea on April 4, followed by Yemen on April 7 and Afghanistan on April 10. ■