REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia U-17's success in qualifying for the final round of the 2025 U-17 Asia Cup completes the performance of two other Garuda teams, the senior team and the U-20, who have also ensured themselves to compete in the upcoming Asian Cup. Earlier in the year, the U-23 team also played in the main round of the 2024 Asian Cup in Qatar and even advanced to the semifinals.
For the historic achievement, namely four teams of different categories competing in the final round of the Asian Cup, PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir expressed his appreciation to all players, coaches, and officials, as well as the PSSI management.
“This is really a historical record because in all categories of the national team we can compete in the main round of the Asian Cup. It's proof our levels have gone up in a relatively short period of time. I appreciate the hard work of all players, coaches, officials, and PSSI administrators because this achievement was realized thanks to the collective hard work and according to the program,” said Erick Thohir in Jakarta, Monday (28/10/2024).
He also added that if you look at the achievements that the U-23 team achieved when it was able to advance to the semifinals of the 2024 Asian Cup, then the chances of scoring similar achievements are wide open.
“The U-23 team has proven that as a debutant it can advance to the semi-finals by beating strong teams like Australia, Jordan and South Korea. This means that the other Red and White teams can replicate their move in the final round of the Asian Cup later. In essence, PSSI will prepare maximum support so that their achievements are brilliant,” Erick said.
In addition, Erick appreciated the achievements of two national coaches, Indra Sjafri and Nova Arianto, who were able to help his educational teams carve out such achievements.
“There has been an improvement in the quality of our coaches. Coach Indra and Nova have proven that. There was a transfer of knowledge from STY to coach Nova who was previously his assistant. Nova has also been Indra's assistant coach. This is what I really expect experienced coaches to share knowledge with young coaches,” Erick said.
The Indonesia U-17 national team qualified for the final round of the 2025 U-17 Asia Cup after being one of the five best runners-up in the qualifying phase. Garuda Muda team became Group G runners-up after a goalless draw against Australia in the last match, Sunday (27/10/2024). The 2025 U-17 Asia Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia in April 2025.
Previously, the senior team has also ensured qualification for the 2027 Asian Cup which will take place in January 2027 in Saudi Arabia. This was after Jay Idzes et al. advanced to the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifying with Group F runner-up status below Iraq.
Meanwhile, the U-20 team locked up a ticket to the final round of the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup in China after winning Group F.
Competing with Yemen, East Timor, and the Maldives, Indonesia could finish top with seven points. Indra Sjafri's side were able to win over East Timor and Maldives, then drew 1-1 with Yemen.
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