Evan Dimas Motimates Indonesian U-19 Players In The 2024 AFF Cup

JAKARTA - Former Indonesian U-19 national team star, Evan Dimas Darmono, conveyed a message to motivate his juniors who will appear in the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup in Surabaya.

Evan Dimas said that this moment should be used by the players to show their best performance.

"Yes, messages for younger siblings, just stay confident, keep the spirit, give the best for Indonesia," said Evan Dimas in his statement when met in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

"Because not everyone represents Indonesia, so take advantage of that opportunity and give the best for Indonesia and make the Indonesian people proud," said the former captain of the Indonesian national team.

Indonesia will host the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup. This tournament will take place on 17-29 July 2024 at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) and Gelora 10 November Stadium, Surabaya, East Java.

With the status of being the host, the Indonesian national team is in Group A with the Philippines, Cambodia, and Timor Leste.

They will start their journey by meeting Timor Philippines on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 19.30 WIB.

The Garuda Muda squad is currently being handled by Indra Sjafri. The coach from West Sumatra is a figure who also managed Evan Dimas when he was still in the U-19 Indonesian national team uniform.

In the 2013 AFF U-19 Cup, Evan Dimas had sweet memories with Indra Sjafri. At that time, he was a key figure in the success of Garuda Muda in winning the tournament.

In fact, Evan Dimas and colleagues were able to qualify for the 2014 U-19 Asian Cup finals. Amazingly, on their way to the qualifying round, they beat South Korea with a score of 3-2.

Reflecting on this experience, Indra Sjafri is also expected to be able to bring back magic for the U-19 Indonesian national team at the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup. You see, since 11 years ago, the Garuda Muda squad has never felt again the champion of the tournament.