Goal Achieved: U-15 Champion, Persib Bandung Academy Takes the Top Podium in U-18

A new history has been made in women's football. Goal Aksis Cimahi became the champion in the U-15 category, and the Persib Bandung Academy secured the top podium in the U-18 category in the inaugural series of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026. In the final match held at Supersoccer Arena, Kudus, Central Java, on Sunday (12/7), Goal Aksis Cimahi secured the championship title after winning a penalty shootout against Cipta Cendikia Football Academy Bogor.

Meanwhile, in the U-18 sector, the top podium belonged to the Persib Bandung Academy. The City of Flowers squad became champions after defeating fellow West Java team, Putri Garut, with a score of 5-0 after playing for 2x35 minutes in the event initiated by the Djarum Foundation's Sports Charity in collaboration with HYDROPLUS.

Elbian's Saves Lead Goal Aksis to Victory

The penalty shootout drama became a crucial moment in the battle for the U-15 HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026 championship, pitting Goal Aksis against Cipta Cendikia FA. Four out of five Goal Aksis penalty takers, namely Dian Aprilia Pary, Alika Nailah Arkana Oskar, Bilqis Fatimah Az Zahra, and Amanda Fitriani, successfully executed their tasks perfectly. Meanwhile, Cipta Cendekia FA could only score three goals due to the brilliant performance of Goal Aksis goalkeeper, Elbian Defika Aryasatya, who managed to save a shot from one of the Cipta Cendekia penalty takers. The score of 4-3 in the penalty shootout brought Goal Aksis to the U-15 championship.

Before the penalty shootout began, both teams played evenly, resulting in no goals being scored during regular time. Since the kick-off, the battle for ball possession was intense in the midfield. Cipta Cendekia FA took the initiative to attack first, while Goal Aksis displayed discipline in transitioning to defense before launching a counterattack.

When in possession of the ball, Goal Aksis played a combination of precise short passes that managed to penetrate the final third of the field. However, the tight defense line of Cipta Cendekia FA was still able to thwart every threat. Dian Aprilia Pary, along with Bilqis Fatimah Az Zahra, Amanda Fitriani, and Astrid Nahdah Nabilla, built several combinations in the front line that forced Cipta Cendekia FA's goalkeeper, Alliya Khairun Nissa, to make a series of saves.

Cipta Cendekia FA responded by launching a counterattack, but Goal Aksis was able to transition quickly and regain the tempo of the game thru accurate passing distribution. The exchange of attacks continued with duels for the ball dominated in the midfield sector. The pressure from Goal Aksis made Cipta Cendekia FA defend more while waiting for an opportunity to counterattack.

The best chance for Cipta Cendekia FA came in the 16th minute. Albianca Raula took advantage of space on the right side before unleashing a speculative shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball missed the target. On the other hand, Goal Aksis continues to rely on the speed of their front line combined with long passes from the midfield to break down the opponent's defense. Although both teams took turns creating opportunities, the discipline of each team's defense prevented any goals from being scored. The scoreless draw still adorned the scoreboard until halftime.

Entering the 25th minute of the second half, Cipta Cendekia FA began to find their game tempo and appeared more comfortable in pressing. Goal Aksis did not lose motivation to continue controlling the ball and re-exploring the opponent's defensive area. Unfortunately, the series of set pieces built from Goal Aksis's combination of play still could not be completed with perfect finishing.

The composure of Cipta Cendekia FA gradually managed to push back Goal Aksis, forcing them to defend more in the penalty area. Nevertheless, Goal Aksis remained disciplined in cutting off the flow of Cipta Cendekia FA's passes, preventing the opponent's ball circulation from ever truly reaching an ideal shooting space. The exchange of attacks continued, but the tight defense of both teams prevented any goals from being scored until the regular time ended and proceeded to a penalty shootout.

After securing the championship title, one of the Goal Aksis penalty takers, Bilqis Fatimah Az Zahra, stated that the championship title achieved with her team was a reward for the hard work they had put in over the past month. "This is the result of our morning and evening training, every day." "We proved the results on this national stage," he said.

Deeper, the player with the number 10 jersey expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing a platform to develop the skills of young female footballers. "The existence of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League helps us to have more opportunities to compete." With a league-based competition system, we compete once a week, so our flight hours automatically increase. "If our performance this week is deemed less than optimal, we can still evaluate and improve in the following week," said Bilqis after the tense match.

For the Head Coach of Goal Aksis, Budi Sufarlan, this victory teaches his squad to behave like professional athletes from an early age, both on-site on the field and by maintaining discipline in their daily lives. This is done so that the athletes do not lose their ball control skills or physical condition and continue to stay motivated to keep progressing into skilled female footballers.

"I want to assure our players that hard work combined with prayer and dedication will surely bring the desired results." The meaning is, it's better to work hard from now on and be earnest so that what you dream of can be achieved. Like professional athletes, they fill their free time by staying active. And for the next phase, we will not be easily satisfied or static in this position. "We want to surpass limit after limit day by day with significant improvements," said Coach Budi.

Thru the HYDROPLUS Soccer League, Coach Budi added, young female footballers have a platform to develop their talents and are driven by a high level of competitiveness. "This tournament boosts the motivation of young athletes to train diligently in preparation for the competition season." This event also serves as an important platform because it accommodates many talents that rarely receive attention out there. For the female players out there, let's step out of your comfort zones. Now the competition platform is available thru the HYDROPLUS Soccer League. "Immediately find a team that is ready to nurture your great talent," Coach Budi then emphasized.

Persib Bandung Academy Defeats Garut Girls 5-0

Meanwhile, a rain of goals occurred in the U-18 HYDROPLUS Soccer League 2025/2026 final match between Akademi Persib Bandung and Putri Garut. Four goals for the Persib Bandung Academy were scored in the first half thru their impressive attacking collaboration, followed by an additional goal in the second half that sealed their victory over the opponent.

Carrying a 4-3-3 format, Akademi Persib Bandung started the match with an aggressive attacking scheme. Putri Garut responded to the incoming attacks by piling up players in the second line. Tight at the defensive line, Putri Garut faltered in coordinating the offside trap. It was proven that the first three goals of Persib Bandung Academy were created with a similar scheme, namely a direct ball from Mega Aprilia from the midfield, which was utilized with the clever positioning of Sucy Kanya Sholehah to score a hat-trick in the 11th, 32nd, and 34th minutes. One additional goal for Persib Bandung Academy was scored by Nasywa Salsabila Fatah in the 37th minute, capitalizing on Athaya Nur Kansya's effort to navigate the right side of the opponent's defense before delivering a cross to the front of the goal.

Comfortably ahead at halftime, Persib Bandung Academy did not let up after the whistle for the start of the second half. Meanwhile, learning from the mistakes in the first half, Putri Garut took to the field with better discipline in the backline. The first opportunity for the Persib Bandung Academy in the second half came from Nasywa Salsabila Fatah, who received a thru ball from Zahra Nafisa Dwi Agustin. Unfortunately, her shot still soared over the goal.

Failing in the previous attempt, Nasywa made up for the missed opportunity by scoring a goal for the Persib Bandung Academy in the 55th minute. Receiving a pass from Auliah Arifah, the player wearing number 8 etched her name on the scoreboard by lofting the ball over Alwiwie Sunanto, the Garut Putri goalkeeper who had advanced to close the space. The score of 5-0 held until the final whistle was blown.

The captain of the Persib Bandung Academy Team, Gadhiza Asnanza, considers this victory a sweet reward for the team's efforts to continue developing throughout the competition. Having suffered a defeat in the early stages of the group stage, the player wearing number 1 expressed gratitude that their strong determination to showcase their best abilities and bring honor to Bandung women's football on the national stage was realized with the highest podium in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League 2025/2026.

"Of course, I am proud of the team because they did not give up at the beginning." The champion is determined by who is willing to run (work harder). So, even tho we initially lost to Arema, we were finally able to prove ourselves as the champions. This title I dedicate to my parents and this U-18 team. This will also be my last dance in the U-18 category because next year I will be too old. "So I also dedicate this to my juniors at the Persib Bandung Academy so that they can continue the struggle moving forward," said the goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, the Head Coach of the Persib Bandung Academy, Dian Nadia Mutiara, views the championship title in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League 2025/2026 as a broader victory for women's football, which has now found a path to continue developing better. In addition to nurturing many talented young players, this tournament also serves as a place to forge strong mental resilience for young heroines who aspire to become professional female footballers in the future.

"For this competition, both at the regional and national levels, what we have experienced so far has made a very positive contribution to the progress and ability of the players in improving their skills. Because we have a regular competition platform, it has a very good impact on both coaches and players. For coaches, we are required to continuously think, adapt to the tactics of opposing teams, and evaluate the team's shortcomings in training." On the players' side, they are motivated to train hard because they want to get playing time in the competition, especially for this national series. Today we can see their very good and even abilities, with no glaring quality disparities. And I think all of that is thanks to the regional leagues that are rolling out in their respective areas," Coach Dian explained.

Improve Achievements, Drive Sport Tourism

The organization of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026 received warm appreciation from the Regent of Kudus, Sam'ani Intakoris. This is because the women's football competition initiated by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation not only aims at developing athletes' skills but also has a positive impact on the economy of the Kudus community, in line with the sports tourism vision being implemented by the Kudus Regency Government.

"Congratulations to all the winners of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026 who have worked hard to reach the highest podium." On behalf of the people of Kudus Regency, we thank the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and HYDROPLUS for organizing this national-level tournament. We believe that women's football can grow and develop well. Moreover, Kudus Regency has become a center for the development of women's football, in line with the vision to promote sports tourism. Not only that, this event also boosts the potential of grassroots economy thru MSMEs that are involved and support all aspects of the organization," said Sam’ani.

On the other hand, the Director of PT Savoria Kreasi Rasa, the producer of HYDROPLUS, Didiet Fadriana Abdulkadir, appreciates the young female footballers who have fought and showcased their best abilities on the field. According to him, this competition is evidence of the growing development of women's football in Indonesia.

"Women's football is now increasingly finding a place in the hearts of the people." We see a very large potential in our young female football talents. "Through the tournaments we are rolling out, we want to help realize the hopes of the Indonesian people so that one day we have a strong women's national team that can make a significant impact on the international stage," said Didiet.

Meanwhile, the Program Director of Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation, Yoppy Rosimin, stated that the continuous organization of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League and the MilkLife Soccer Challenge is a genuine commitment to the development of the domestic women's football ecosystem. He hopes that more talents will emerge for the glory of Indonesian women's football on the world stage.

"We will continue to oversee this tiered competition so that the pathway for our national athletes' development remains uninterrupted." In fact, we are also expanding the host cities so that the ecosystem of women's football spreads and becomes more evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. "We will not back down in advancing women's football in Indonesia," Yoppy emphasized.

Talented Female Footballers Advance to Srikandi Merdeka Cup

Meanwhile, from the stands, since the beginning of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026, U-16 Women's National Team Coach Timo Scheunemann has been continuously monitoring the participants' abilities. Together with Coach Takumi Taniguchi and Coach Jacksen F Tiago, they are screening talented players to strengthen two U-16 Women's National Teams in the upcoming Srikandi Merdeka Cup in August.

"We are looking at the players' criteria in detail thru several matches." This concerns fate and the future, so we want to be objective and fair to all players. We look at several aspects such as positioning ability, game intelligence in decision-making, physical aspects, and athleticism, which we really pay attention to. "This is an age group team, not a senior national team, so the process of individual player development is the most important thing," explained the man who has held a UEFA A coaching license since 2007.

In the Srikandi Merdeka Cup, they will challenge six Asian countries: Thailand, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Jordan. "Not only will they compete and strive to win the championship, but the Srikandi Merdeka Cup will also serve as a talent scouting event for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers next October," said Coach Timo.

Here is the list of winners of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars U-15:

Champion: Goal Aksis Cimahi

Runner-up: Cipta Cendikia FA Bogor

Semifinalis: Mojang Priangan Ciamis dan Arema FC Women Malang

Best Goalkeeper: Elbian Defika Aryasatya - Goal Aksis Cimahi

Best Player: Ayla Dva Khala Ahisma - Cipta Cendikia FA Bogor

Top Scorer: Nafeeza Ayasha Nori - Mojang Priangan Ciamis (4 gol)

List of winners of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars U-18:

Champion: Akademi Persib Bandung

Runner-up: Putri Garut

Semifinalists: Putri JP Jakarta and Arema FC Women Malang

Best Goalkeeper: Gadhiza Asnanza - Akademi Persib Bandung

Best Player: Oedaija O’shea Sharinah - Arema FC Women Malang

Top Scorer:

Zahra Nafisa Dwi Agustin - Akademi Persib Bandung (3 goals)

Sucy Kanaya Sholehah - Akademi Persib Bandung (3 goals)

Visit https://milklifesoccer.com/hydroplussoccerleague to see the schedule, match results, standings, and the list of goal scorers for the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026. And follow the HYDROPLUS Soccer League social media accounts (Instagram @hydroplussoccerleague, TikTok @hydroplussoccerleague, YouTube @hydroplussoccerleague) to get interesting information about the development of women's soccer. The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All-Stars 2025/2026 match can also be watched live on the YouTube channel @hydroplussoccerleague.