Photo credits: LOC Media Match Operation ASEAN U-16 Girls’ Mandiri Championship 2025
The Under-17 Women’s National Team wrapped up their 2025 ASEAN U-16 Women’s Championship campaign with defeats to regional women’s football powerhouses Australia (0–3) and Thailand (0–7). While the losses were difficult, the experience gave the players valuable exposure to high-level opposition and highlighted clear areas for growth ahead of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ China 2026 Qualifiers.
Head Coach Matías Martínez was encouraged by the resilience that his players put on show at the tournament.
“Against Australia, the team showed resilience and discipline. Despite the scoreline, the players competed well, maintained structure, and demonstrated the ability to execute the game plan under pressure,” he said. “The match highlighted areas of progress such as defensive organisation and collective effort.”
The match against Thailand, however, showed the importance of consistency. The team struggled to maintain cohesion and intensity, which allowed Thailand to take control. Martínez admitted that lapses in teamwork and structure left the side vulnerable and stressed that maintaining collective effort is just as important as technical execution.
Despite the results, there were positives to take from the campaign.
Several defenders showed maturity in 1v1 situations, stepping up with strong tackles and clearances, while midfielders worked tirelessly to close down space and link play. Even in tough moments, the players continued to compete with determination until the final whistle.
Photo credits: LOC Media Match Operation ASEAN U-16 Girls’ Mandiri Championship 2025
Martínez is already looking ahead to drive further growth.
“Keeping possession under pressure is another area for growth,” he said. “The team needs to improve composure on the ball, make quicker decisions, and connect more passes to relieve pressure and create attacking opportunities. The only way to close the gap with tougher opponents is to play more games versus these types of opposition and for players to be in high-performing club or academy environments.”
The ASEAN U16 Championship provided a benchmark for the physical, tactical, and mental demands required at this level. It also highlighted clear priorities — defensive discipline, ball retention, and collective cohesion — which will shape preparations in the months ahead.
“These learnings are not just reflections, they are stepping stones,” said Martínez.
“The ASEAN Championship provided the benchmarks, and now the focus is on using those insights to raise standards, sharpen execution, and prepare a team capable of competing with confidence in future tournaments.”
