Young Garuda is too strong for Brunei

A Brilliant Start to the 2025 Mandiri Cup

The Young Garuda were too strong for Brunei in their opening match of the 2025 Mandiri Cup. The match, held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, demonstrated the vast difference in quality between the Indonesia U-23 team and Brunei U-23 team. From the first minute, Indra Sjafri’s team exerted high pressure. They played quickly, aggressively, and confidently. Brunei seemed confused by their opponent’s intensity, which never let up until the final whistle.

In this match, the Young Garuda were too strong for Brunei, as their dominance was felt in every area. From possession to counterattacks, to finishing, everything showed a clear disparity. The Indonesia U-23 team scored the first goal just two minutes into the match and continued to add to their tally until the final score was 8-0. Not only was this a resounding victory, but it also served as a statement that Indonesia came to this tournament not just to participate, but as a true champion.

Jens Raven Scores Six Goals

One reason why the Young Garuda were too strong for Brunei was the incredible performance of Jens Raven. The young naturalized striker put in a remarkable performance, scoring six goals in one match, a rare achievement even at the international youth level. Raven scored in the 2nd, 9th, 31st, 33rd, 41st, and 62nd minutes, making him the tournament’s top scorer.

The Young Garuda were too strong for Brunei because they had players capable of capitalizing on every opportunity efficiently. Raven not only displayed sharp instincts in front of goal, but also displayed his movement off the ball, which overwhelmed the Brunei defense. He was a threat throughout the match, leaving the opposing defenders unable to control him. He even scored two of his goals through stunning individual performances. Players like this are important assets for the future of Indonesian football, and this match provided the perfect stage for him to showcase his abilities.

Total Domination in All Aspects

That the Young Garuda were too strong for Brunei was evident not only in terms of goals scored, but also in the match statistics. Indonesia recorded 84 percent possession, with 28 shots, 14 of which were on target. Meanwhile, Brunei only managed two shots, none of which were on target. Throughout the match, the Indonesian national team seemed to be practicing, moving the ball from side to side and breaking down the opposing defense with ease.

The combination of fast, short-range play and excellent individual skills made the Garuda Muda too strong for Brunei. The midfield was commanded by Arkhan Fikri, who controlled the tempo with ease, while attacks from the wings, led by Marselino Ferdinan, frequently split the Brunei defense. The visitors were left with no openings, and they were forced to play a very defensive game from start to finish.

Rayhan and Arkhan’s Contributions

Although Jens Raven was the main highlight, the Garuda Muda were too strong for Brunei thanks to the extraordinary contributions of other players. Arkhan Fikri scored a beautiful goal from outside the penalty area in the 20th minute, showcasing his sharp vision and technical ability. Rayhan Hannan also got on the scoresheet with a goal in the 34th minute. These two goals solidified Indonesia’s dominance and made the match seem unbalanced.

The Garuda Muda were too strong for Brunei because they weren’t just reliant on one player; the entire team played with high collective spirit. All lines worked brilliantly. The right and left defenders actively supported the attack, the midfielders were able to break up the opponent’s flow, and the goalkeeper barely had to work due to the tight defense. This reflected the depth of the Indonesian U-23 team’s squad, a crucial asset for winning the tournament.

Not only was the performance outstanding, but many spectators in the stadium and online viewers were also looking for additional entertainment, such as Situs Slot Hacksaw Terlengkap, which is currently being discussed in digital communities of football and online gaming enthusiasts. The combination of digital entertainment and passionate support for the Garuda Muda made the evening truly festive.

Brunei Overwhelmed from the Start

There was no denying that the Garuda Muda were too strong for Brunei, as the visitors were unable to put up any meaningful resistance. Their defense was easily dismantled, the team’s organization appeared chaotic, and communication between players was minimal. From the opening whistle, Brunei mostly defended in their own half, only occasionally attempting quick counterattacks, but they always failed to penetrate the Indonesian defense, which was guarded by players like Rizky Ridho and Muhammad Ferrari.

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Brunei seemed to be running out of ways to stop Indonesia’s progress. Their goalkeeper made several brilliant saves, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a flood of goals. The Garuda Muda were simply too strong for Brunei, as Indonesia’s intensity and constant pressure completely frustrated their opponents. Even when Indonesia was already five goals up, they continued to attack, displaying a champion’s mentality and an incredible never-say-die spirit.

A Clear Path to the Semifinals

The 8-0 victory over Brunei placed Indonesia at the top of Group A with three points and a goal difference of +8. The Garuda Muda were too strong for Brunei, and this result will certainly provide significant capital ahead of their next matches against the Philippines and Malaysia. Other teams will undoubtedly be more cautious and prepare special strategies to curb Indonesia’s aggressiveness. However, with a performance like this, Indonesia is clearly the strong favorite to advance to the final.

The Garuda Muda were too strong for Brunei not only because of the individual quality of their players, but also because coach Indra Sjafri was able to implement effective strategies and capitalize on the momentum effectively. The players’ confidence was high, and the chemistry between the teams was already well established. This is a good sign that the regeneration of Indonesian football is on the right track.

This victory was also greeted enthusiastically by the Indonesian football public. Many said that the Garuda Muda’s overpowering of Brunei was the beginning of something bigger. If this performance can be maintained and improved, it is not impossible that Indonesia can end this tournament with a championship title and bring home pride for the nation. The media spotlight continues to focus on the U-23 National Team, and the players are starting to receive widespread attention, including from foreign clubs interested in their performance.