Credit: Google
A moment of celebration on the football pitch turned into a heart-stopping spectacle at the Independence Cup 2025 match between Indonesia U-17 and Tajikistan U-17. The incident involved Indonesian striker Mierza Firjatullah just after he had scored a crucial to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead. After that, Tajikistan responded swiftly to Mierza’s goal. Just three minutes later, in the 37th minute, Tajikistan’s Zarifzoda Zarif scored a well-placed shot to level the score at 1-1. The match, part of a preparatory tournament for the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year, ended in a 2-2 draw, but it was Mierza’s unintended plunge that stole the headlines.
During the match at the North Sumatra Stadium in Deliserdang, Indonesia U-17 striker Mierza Firjatullah fell into a 10-foot ditch while celebrating the goal. The 16-year-old, who had just scored a crucial header in the 34th minute, reportedly emerged unscathed from the incident. He ignited the crowd when he headed in a precise cross from teammate Fadly Alberto Hengga to give Indonesia a 1-0 lead. Overcome with euphoria, the young striker sprinted toward the stands to celebrate with fans, leaping over a pitchside fence. Unbeknownst to him, a three-meter-deep ditch separated the field from the stands, and Mierza plummeted into it, disappearing from view and reportedly sparking panic among teammates, coaches, and spectators.
Watch the video here:
Mierza Firjatullah didn’t sustained any serious injury after falling into the pit
Footage of the fall, captured by stadium cameras and shared widely on social media platforms, showed Mierza Firjatullah’s sudden descent into the ditch, followed by a tense moment as he remained out of sight. Social media posts described the scene reportedly as “jeziva” (terrifying) in Indonesian, with fans and commentators expressing relief that the 16-year-old avoided serious injury.
Reports claim that emergency personnel quickly assisted Mierza out of the ditch, and after a brief medical check, he returned to the field to continue the match, displaying remarkable resilience. Indonesia’s head coach, Nova Arianto, later confirmed after the match that Mierza suffered only minor cramps and was otherwise fine, allowing him to play until his substitution in the 59th minute.
The Independence Cup is a four-team tournament held from August 12 to 18, 2025. The four-nation tournament also includes Mali and Uzbekistan, and it serves as a critical warm-up for Indonesia’s Garuda Nusantara as they prepare for the global stage. As Indonesia prepares for the global stage, Mierza’s dramatic celebration will likely remain a memorable anecdote. His performance in the Independence Cup, despite the dramatic fall, reportedly cements his reputation as a promising striker. Mierza’s earlier exploits include scoring four goals at the AFF U-16 Championship 2024, showcasing his flair for finding the net.
