Kudus All-Stars Defend Title, Best Talents Advance to SingaCup 2026

The series of women's football championships initiated by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife, titled the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars 2026, was successfully held. Held at Supersoccer Arena, Kudus, Central Java from June 23 to 28, All-Stars Kudus successfully defended their champion title after a fierce battle in the final match against All-Stars Jakarta, ending in a score of 0-0 (4-3) thru a penalty shootout. Meanwhile, All-Stars Surabaya secured the third podium after defeating All-Stars Yogyakarta 1-0.

The Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, appreciated all parties who have brought the MilkLife Soccer Challenge as a platform for developing women's football in Indonesia. According to him, this tournament is not just a competition, but a concrete step toward building a more inclusive and successful future for women's football.

"PSSI has prepared a 10-year blueprint toward the 2035 Women's World Cup." Now, we are no longer just talking about plans, but we are already taking concrete actions thru programs and competitions like the MilkLife Soccer Challenge. This progress can only be achieved thru collaboration between the government, private sector, communities, schools, and parents. The MilkLife Soccer Challenge has already become a real example of such collaboration," said Erick.

Program Director of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge, Teddy Tjahjono, stated that the intense matches from the group phase to the final round of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All-Stars 2026 indicate the increasingly even development of early-age female footballers' skills. This is inseparable from the efforts to continuously grow the ecosystem of Indonesian women's football to keep thriving thru tournaments organized in a tiered and sustainable manner. In order to filter more female football talents from the homeland, next season the MilkLife Soccer Challenge will expand by adding more host cities, namely Jayapura, Garut, and Jakarta, which will be divided into two regions (East Jakarta and North Jakarta).

"This season we have seen very positive developments evident from the matches becoming more competitive from the group stage to the final, the quality of play, their spirit and mentality have improved, and the abilities among the participants have become more balanced." Along with that, support from parents, schools, and related stakeholders has also increased significantly. Many players now regularly train at SSB because they want to pursue football more seriously. "This development gives us the confidence to expand our coaching reach by adding three more host cities starting next season," said Teddy.

As part of the ongoing development, the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife once again provide opportunities for young athletes to experience the competitive atmosphere at the international level. After successfully sending two teams to the JSSL Singapore 7's 2025 and becoming the runner-up, this year, 34 of the best players from the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars 2026 will be flown to the SingaCup 2026, which will take place from October 31 to November 7. The event is one of the prestigious football tournaments in Asia that involves young talents from various countries, including several representatives from football academies in Indonesia.

"MLSC All-Stars do not stop at the national round." We formed two teams filled with the best players selected by the talent scouting team to compete in the SingaCup 2026. Thru the competition, the athletes are expected to accelerate their skills, improve their mental toughness, and gain more international experience. The experience aims to develop more mature talent as part of the regeneration of the Indonesian Women's National Team," said Teddy Tjahjono.

Head Coach of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge, Jacksen F Tiago, revealed that the talent scouting process not only focuses on individual talent but also on understanding gameplay and decision-making on the field. Although they are still at the Elementary School level, the players are already able to perform confidently and show maturity in their gameplay, surpassing their age group. According to him, this aspect is an important foundation for forming a team to compete at the international level.

"We are looking for players who have potential in terms of football intelligence." They must be able to quickly adapt to changes in game patterns, play effectively, control the tempo of the game, and be dynamic. Perhaps those assessment criteria are quite complicated for elementary school players, but from the MilkLife Soccer Challenge, they were able to demonstrate it. Seeing their performance on the field, we are optimistic about building a competitive, attractive team that can compete with other countries," said Jacksen.

Business Unit Head Dairy - PT Global Dairi Alami, Didiet Fadriana Abdulkadir, appreciated the fighting spirit of all participants in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars 2026 who have showcased their best performances since the first day of the competition. For him, every match presented is not just a competition, but a tangible proof that the investment in early childhood girls' football development is now starting to bear fruit.

"Their technique is becoming more refined, their competitive mentality is getting tougher, and their sportsmanship is commendable," he said enthusiastically. He poured that sense of pride into a heartfelt message for the champions and selected players who will represent Indonesia at SingaCup 2026. "Congratulations to the champion team and the best players!" You have shown extraordinary effort since the first day the competition began. Keep practicing, never stop dreaming, and always carry the spirit of #DareToScore wherever you go," he added.

More than just a tournament, Didiet emphasized that the MilkLife Soccer Challenge is part of a larger mission, which is to scout talented young female footballers from all over Indonesia, season after season. "MilkLife is committed to supporting Indonesia in realizing a golden generation by 2045, by providing the right nutritional intake," he said.

Intense Final Match, All-Stars Kudus Lift the Champion Trophy Again

All-Stars Kudus and All-Stars Jakarta immediately presented a high-intensity duel from the kick-off of the first half. Both teams took turns building attacks from the midfield, relying on a quick counter-attack scheme to break thru the opponent's defense. Ball possession was evenly matched, while attempts to deliver crosses were often interrupted by the disciplined backlines of each team. Although both teams were able to create threatening chances, the final finishing was not maximized.

A golden opportunity for All-Stars Kudus came in the 9th minute thru a free-kick scheme by Renanthera Aluna Addya Putri. but was still able to be secured by All-Stars Jakarta's goalkeeper, Erza Khalifa Sakhi. Four minutes later, Jakarta earned a free kick after All-Stars Kudus striker, Giada Soebianto, fouled All-Stars Jakarta player number 10, Albianca Raula, outside the penalty box. Unfortunately, Albianca's execution still soared above the crossbar. Both teams continued to struggle to break each other's attacks until the first half ended in a goalless draw.

After the halftime break, both teams increased the intensity of the game in order to bring home the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars 2026 trophy. All-Stars Jakarta first posed a threat with a direct shot from outside the penalty area, while the midfield duel was still dominated by low passes. However, the tight defense made every attacking attempt often fail before entering the dangerous area.

On the other hand, the Kudus All-Stars played more aggressively with high pressing that forced Jakarta's defense to strengthen their backline. In the 29th minute, All-Stars Jakarta captain, Andien Haifa Syakira, had to be substituted due to injury and was replaced by supersub, Aqila Alexa Putri. Aqila's entry did not lower the tension of the match. As the match was nearing its end, a corner kick by the captain of All-Stars Kudus, Rere Zenita Farza, was unable to break thru Jakarta's solid defense. The scoreless draw lasted until the final whistle, so the match had to be decided by a penalty shootout. In the penalty shootout drama, the Kudus All-Stars appeared more composed to secure a 4-3 victory, reclaiming the title of MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars 2026 champions.

Kudus All-Stars goalkeeper, Queisha Sava Azzalfa, mentioned that penalty shootouts have become a regular part of their training routine leading up to the final match. Therefore, with thorough preparation, she is grateful to have saved two penalty kicks from the opponent and helped her team win the championship. "The match was indeed intense and went to penalties. But we were focused and worked hard, and in the end, we became champions," she said.

The Head Coach of All-Stars Kudus, Yayat Hidayat, stated that his team's success in winning the MilkLife Soccer All-Stars title again was based on the fighting spirit of his players. Moreover, the thorough preparation in training, including the training center conducted before the tournament, fostered a strong bond among the players, which had a positive impact on the matches. He considers the MilkLife Soccer Challenge this year to be a breath of fresh air for the growth of women's football in Indonesia, as it has proven to provide mental maturity in playing for almost all the participants involved. "So far, Indonesia has struggled to find female football talent, and the MilkLife Soccer Challenge has greatly helped in identifying the best players." "That is certainly very positive, and I hope that the MLSC continues in the coming years," he said.

Head Coach of All-Stars Jakarta, Arifin, admitted that he remains proud of his team's achievements despite failing to win in the final match. Moreover, the match result was determined thru a penalty shootout that prioritized the mental strength of the executors over gameplay technique. "Honestly, we had no preparation at all for the penalty shootout." Even earlier, when choosing the penalty takers, none of our players were ready, and some even cried. "But with the result, I am very proud of my team," he said.

Defeating All-Stars Yogyakarta, All-Stars Surabaya Secures Third Place Again

In the first half, All-Stars Surabaya took the initiative by dominating the midfield. As a result, All-Stars Yogyakarta was forced to play defensively and stack players in the penalty area. Unfortunately, Locita Waranggani Olah Nismara and her team failed to score, resulting in a goalless first half.

Entering the second half, the All-Stars Surabaya did not ease up on their attacking intensity. Agnia Nurul Fadhila Rohman finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute by capitalizing on a high cross to the opponent's goal. Trailing by one goal, All-Stars Yogyakarta changed their playing style by utilizing the width of the field. Several opportunities occurred, but they couldn't change the score to 0-1 in favor of All-Stars Surabaya until the final whistle was blown. This result made All-Stars Surabaya return to third place, just like last year's achievement.

Head Coach of All-Stars Surabaya, Sai Dong, said that the team's victory today was due to the mental strength of his players, who were able to bounce back quickly despite being momentarily shaken in the semifinal match. "One thing I am more grateful for is the development of the children." They are progressing well. Thank you to the Djarum Foundation for organizing an extraordinary event. "For me, this is a good thing for the development of women's football, so it deserves to be elevated and to bring honor to this nation," he said.

Continue the Hope in Singapore

One of the 16 U-12 players competing in the SingaCup 2026, Adiba Sanas Primayuga, admitted to being happy to compete at the international level. The captain of the All-Stars Samarinda, who plays as a defender, was surprised because it was his first time participating in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge 2025-2026, and there was only one series held in Samarinda. Seeing the U-12 line-up from players of various other cities, he is optimistic about achieving positive results at the SingaCup. "I didn't know if I could be selected, but for sure I'm happy, joyful, mixed feelings, I didn't expect to be selected to go to Singapore." I didn't expect to be trained directly by Coach Jacksen. "We are optimistic that we can become champions there, because we already know each other," he said.

Meanwhile, Euis Siti Farhatus Sa’adah, who will join the U-14 squad at SingaCup 2026, beamed when her name was mentioned during the announcement of the selected players. "I really didn't expect it, thank God." I thot I wouldn't be selected, but it turns out I was chosen when Coach Timo called my name. "I will fight as hard as I can to become a champion," said Euis.

Here is the list of winners of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars:

Champion: All-Stars Kudus

Runner-up: All-Stars Jakarta

3rd Place: All-Stars Surabaya

Best Goalkeeper: Syafira Azzahra - All-Stars Surabaya

Best Player: Sabrina Dwi Ristiyana - All-Stars Kudus

Top Scorers:

• Garneta Falentina Imelda - All-Stars Malang (4 goals)
• Giada Soebianto - All-Stars Kudus (4 goals)
• Ika Wonda - All-Stars Solo (4 goals)
• Nadia Shakila Azzahra - All-Stars Yogyakarta (4 goals)
• Rara Zenita Fatin - All-Stars Kudus (4 goals)
• Yumna Naziya Fina - All-Stars Semarang (4 goals)

Here is the line-up for the SingaCup 2026 team (name - school origin - team - position):

MilkLife Strikers Girls U-12

1. Kanaya Izzati Lathifa - SD Bukit Aksara Semarang - All-Stars Semarang (Goalkeeper)
2. Shafira Althafunnisa Azzahra - SD Djama’atul Ichwan Surakarta - All-Stars Solo (Goalkeeper)
3. Danisa Anindya Nuha Zahira - SD Nglarang Kab. Sleman - All-Stars Yogyakarta (Defender)
4. Hafiza Khaira Lubna Lista - SDN Jambean 2 Pati - All-Stars Kudus (Defender)
5. Andien Haifa Syakira - SD Cinta Kasih Tzu Chi Jakarta Barat - All-Stars Jakarta (Defender)
6. Sabrina Dwi Ristiyana - SDN Jambean 2 Pati - All-Stars Kudus (Defender)
7. Bilqis Nur Hidayah - SDN Klampis Ngasem 1 Surabaya - All-Stars Surabaya (Defender)
8. Adiba Sanas Primayuga - SDN 002 Kota Samarinda - All-Stars Samarinda (Defender)
9. Adelice Maureen Hanum Faisal - SDN Lowokwaru 3 Malang - All-Stars Malang (Midfielder)
10. Keyla Azzahra Putri - SDN Sumberjaya 2 Bekasi - All-Stars Tangerang (Midfielder)
11. Locita Waranggani Olah Nismara - SDN Pacarkeling V/186 Surabaya - All-Star Surabaya (Midfielder)
12. Jesshica - SDK Santa Maria Goretti Surabaya - All-Stars Surabaya (Midfielder)
13. Emily Zitara - SDN Manukan Kulon Surabaya - All-Stars Surabaya (Forward)
14. Ika Wonda - SD Kristen Manahan Surakarta - All-Stars Solo (Forward)
15. Angelina P S Mongan - SDN Kunciran 4 Tangerang - All-Stars Tangerang (Forward)
16. Nadia Shakila Azzahra - SD Muhammadiyah Karangploso Kab. Bantul - All-Stars Yogyakarta (Forward)

MilkLife Kickers Girls U-14

1. Syafira Azzahra - SDN Rungkut Kidul II/581 Surabaya - All-Stars Surabaya (Goalkeeper)
2. Queisha Sava Azzalfa - SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara - All-Stars Kudus (Goalkeeper)
3. Alika Nayla Putri Jabbar - SDN Manukan Kulon II/499 Surabaya - All-Stars Surabaya (Defender)
4. Helga Cahya Yudi Sadira - SDN Kebayoran Lama Selatan 19 Jakarta Selatan - All-Stars Jakarta (Defender)
5. Renanthera Aluna Addya Putri - SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara - All-Stars Kudus (Defender)
6. Giada Soebianto - Edison Elementary School USA - All-Stars Kudus (Midfielder)
7. Garneta Falentina Imelda - SDN 1 Tumpakrejo Kab. Malang - All-Stars Malang (Midfielder)
8. Rere Zenita Farza - SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara - All-Stars Kudus (Midfielder)
9. Ananda Nindy Dwi Berlian - SDN Lowokwaru 4 Malang - All-Stars Malang (Midfielder)
10. Askana Sakhi Falihah - SDN 01 Daru Karangpandan Kab. Karanganyar - All-Stars Solo (Midfielder)
11. Alisa Makaila Fakhira - SDN Margahayu 3 Bekasi - All-Stars Bekasi (Midfielder)
12. Albianca Raula - SDN Kebagusan 03 Jakarta Selatan - All-Stars Jakarta (Midfielder)
13. Riyanti Saffana Suryani - SDN 129 Rancasawo Margasari Bandung - All-Stars Bandung (Midfielder)
14. Euis Siti Farhatus Sa'adah - SDN Mampang 2 Jakarta Selatan - All-Stars Jakarta (Midfielder)
15. Yumna Naziya Fina - MII Karangsari Kab. Pekalongan - All-Stars Semarang (Midfielder)
16. Anisa Tri Sholica - SDN Cideng 04 Jakarta Pusat - All-Stars Jakarta (Forward)
17. Janeeta Alodya - SDN Sendangmulyo 04 Semarang - All-Stars Semarang (Forward)
18. Rara Zenita Fatin - SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara - All-Stars Kudus (Forward)

Visit www.milklifesoccer.com to see the schedule, match results, standings, and the list of goal scorers for the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All-Stars 2026. Follow the MilkLife Soccer Challenge social media accounts @milklifesoccer on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for interesting information about the development of women's soccer.