REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia U-20 head coach Indra Sjafri does not want to underestimate any opponent his team will face in the qualifying round of the 2025 U-20 Asia Cup. Tima Garuda Nusantara will start its fight on Wednesday (25/9/2024) at Madya Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta.

Dony Tri Pamungkas et al were included in Group F along with Maldives, East Timor, and Yemen. Only the group champions qualified for the 2025 U-20 Asia Cup will be held in China.

In a press conference before the match at Madya Senayan Stadium on Tuesday (24/9/2024), the coach who led Indonesia to the gold medal of the SEA Games 2023 Cambodia welcomed the presence of three participating teams that have already arrived in Jakarta. “First welcome Yemen, the Maldives, and our brother East Timor.”

“The preparation of the Indonesia U-20 national team, after the first ladder by participating in the AFF U-19 Cup and succeeding as well, the preparation continues to the tournament in South Korea where we play against Argentina, Thailand and South Korea,” he said.

Next, Indra said, the U-20 team underwent a 14-day training camp in Bali and three days ago returned to Jakarta. He reiterated that all players are ready to carry out the mission of providing the best for Indonesia.

“As for the opponents we face, everyone wants to be the best. Last meeting with the players, we will focus on each game, we will focus first on the Maldives. I think all teams want to perform well, and we never underestimate any opponent,” he stressed.

On this occasion Indra also explained the reason why Arkhan Kaka was not called up in the Garuda Muda Indonesia squad this time. “We gave a chance first to a player born in 2005. Arkhan Kaka was born in 2007, so there is still a chance to play in the U-19 next year,” said Indra.

Regarding Welber Jardim not joining, Indra stated no problem. Although in fact the club has allowed it and plane tickets have already been bought. “It doesn't matter that Welber didn't join. In the U-20 team, as per the PSSI guidelines, we have four players in one position, so in the absence of Welber there is a replacement.”

Indra also thanked the club who have so far conducted good communication and discussions. So he wants to release his players San to join the U-20 national team. “Thank you to the club for working so well together. Communication and discussions are good with us,” he said.

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