REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia's national football team has been focusing on maintaining its strength to compete in the official qualification round of the AFC U-23 Cup.

The qualifiers are scheduled to be held in Bung Karno Stadium here from March 27 to 31.

"The date of the match is approaching. Our focus is now on maintaining the team's strength, spirit and mental condition," Coach Aji Santoso said here on Saturday.

He added that it was important to maintain the strength and good mental condition of the players to ensure that they are prepared for the match.

Moreover, the teams that Indonesia will face in Group H have are certainly prepared well for the tournament, he pointed out.

In Group H, Indonesia's Garuda Muda team will face the strong teams from South Korea, Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam.

Competition in the group will certainly be tight as all the teams will strive to qualify for the final, Santoso affirmed.

Even though a squad of only 23 is allowed, the coach has retained the existing 24 players to field the best team and as a precautionary measure.

"It is only a precaution, considering the potential problems players may face. It is only aimed at maintaining the strength we have built so far," he remarked.

Evan Dimas and his fellow team members have been monitored closely by coaches to ensure that they are prepared to compete in the upcoming AFC U-23 Cup qualifiers.

The South Korea squad has already arrived and is in the process of conducting exercises in the Senayan field.

"They train in the morning and afternoon. They also plan to hold a trial match with a local team before competing in the qualification round," a committee representative of the AFC U-23 Cup qualification round, Laurent, noted.

In addition, the teams from Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam are expected to arrive on Tuesday.

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