Naturalized star scores 6 goals, U.23 Indonesia wins unexpectedly: Top of the rankings

U.23 Indonesia showed their superiority to win a devastating 8-0 victory over U.23 Brunei. In which, the naturalized striker of Dutch origin contributed 6 goals.

On the evening of July 15, the U.23 Indonesia team welcomed U.23 Brunei in the first match of Group A - the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament. This match was also the debut of the naturalized player born and raised in the Netherlands - Jens Raven in the U.23 Indonesia shirt. This 19-year-old striker is the face that receives great attention from experts.

Naturalized player is the "main character" of U.23 Indonesia

In response to the expectation, Jens Raven made a strong impression on the home team's opening day. The striker born in 2005 shone with 5 goals (1 goal from the penalty spot) in the first half, while the team of the archipelago led U.23 Brunei 7-0 after the first half of the match. The goals of the player of Dutch origin were scored in the 2nd, 8th, 31st, 33rd and 41st minutes respectively.

The remaining two goals of U.23 Indonesia in the first half were scored by Arkhan Fikri (minute 20) and Rayhan Hannan (minute 35).

Highlight U.23 Indonesia 8-0 U.23 Brunei: Naturalized young star scores 6 goals

In the 45 minutes of the second half, the U.23 Indonesia team only had 1 more goal. It was none other than Jens Raven who put his name on the scoreboard with a lob over the Brunei goalkeeper, raising the score to 8-0. This was also the final result of the match.

Newcomer Jens Raven had a great debut for Indonesia U.23. Meanwhile, the team from the archipelago country also rose to the top of Group A after the first round of matches, with 3 points and a goal difference of +8. This is a huge advantage for coach Gerald Vanenburg's team, aiming to win a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2025 Southeast Asian U.23 tournament as group winners.

Jens Raven (right) had an impressive debut in the U.23 Indonesia shirt - PHOTO: SCREENSHOT

In the remaining match of Group A taking place in the afternoon of the same day, U.23 Philippines caused a surprise when they defeated the highly rated opponent, U.23 Malaysia, with a score of 2-0. Thus, U.23 Philippines is currently ranked second in Group A with 3 points, goal difference +2. U.23 Malaysia is ranked third with 0 points, goal difference -2. U.23 Brunei is at the bottom of the table with 0 points and goal difference -8.

In the second match of Group A taking place on July 18, U.23 Malaysia will meet U.23 Brunei (5 p.m.), while U.23 Philippines will face U.23 Indonesia (8 p.m.).

Watch the full 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Football Championship Mandiri Cup™ on FPT Play, visit http://fptplay.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sao-nhap-tich-ghi-den-6-ban-u23-indonesia-thang-khong-tuong-dung-dau-bang-xep-hang-185250715211025734.htm