Timnas Putri U-17 Indonesia defeated Bahrain 2-0 in their opening Group B match of the 2027 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers at Bishan Stadium in Singapore on Monday, October 5, 2026, Kalimantan Post reported.
Garuda Pertiwi Muda capitalized on early momentum to secure all three points through a swift two-goal burst. Forward Kesya Arabela Manisya Nian netted both goals in the 19th and 21st minutes, establishing an advantage that head coach Satoru Mochizuki’s squad successfully defended until the final whistle.
Early Goals Secure Three Points Against Bahrain
Kesya Arabela Manisya Nian broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, then doubled the lead just two minutes later in the 21st minute. According to Kalimantan Post, the team maintained its defensive organization for the remainder of the contest to preserve the 2-0 lead, leaving Bahrain empty-handed after the opening fixture.
Group B Standings and Upcoming Fixtures in Singapore
Group B comprises four national teams: Indonesia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and host nation Singapore, with all matches hosted at Bishan Stadium between October 5 and October 11, 2026, as detailed by Republika. The qualification format awards a single direct ticket to the tournament’s final round for the winner of each group.
Following the win over Bahrain, Indonesia faces Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 16:00 WIB (17:00 SGT). Garuda Pertiwi Muda then concludes its group-stage campaign against host Singapore on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 20:00 SGT (matching a 19:00 WIB kickoff listed in tournament schedules).
Road to the 2027 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup
The final tournament of the 2027 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup is scheduled to take place in China from March 31 to April 17, 2027. Beyond continental honors, the competition serves as the official qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, according to Republika.
The current 26-player squad representing Indonesia in Singapore was selected following an extensive evaluation process managed by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI). PSSI scouted 46 players during the Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026 held in Kudus, Central Java, blending talent from the Garuda Pertiwi and Putri Nusantara teams. The selection committee also evaluated two diaspora players, Anya Gabriella and Keisya Bulgamin, as noted in reports from Republika.
PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir said the junior women's program must focus on competitive development. “We certainly hope the U-17 women’s national team can achieve success and compete equally with the men’s national teams,” Erick said, as reported by Republika and JPNN. “However, the most important thing is for the players to enjoy the process, work hard, and have the courage to face every match.” Vivin Cahyani Sungkono, head of the PSSI Women’s Football Committee, added that the team transitioned directly from the Merdeka Cup in Kudus into a brief training camp before traveling to Singapore.
