Indra Sjafri Has Found The Best Squad For The 2024 AFF U-19 Cup Semifinals

JAKARTA - The U-19 Indonesian national team made sure to step into the semifinals of the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup after winning Group A with perfect points nine out of three matches.

The last victory was when he defeated Timor Leste U-19 with a score of 6-2 at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

"First, we are certainly grateful to get nine points from three matches. However, of course facing the semifinals we have to make a lot of improvements," said Indra Sjafri, the head coach of Indonesia U-19.

Departing from the three group stage matches, Indra Sjafri admitted that he had found the best composition to fight in the semifinals.

You see, Indra has fielded all his players in the three matches to find out their respective performances. Only one goalkeeper has not had the opportunity to appear.

"What is clear is that the group stage is to find the best squad. Thank God, from the three matches we have seen the performances of 23 players, minus one goalkeeper," said Indra.

In the semifinals later, Indonesia U-19 is still waiting for who the opponent will face. According to the chart, they will meet the winners of Group C.

So far, only Malaysia and Thailand U-19 have the possibility of becoming U-19 opponents.

Malaysia and Thailand U-19 both packed six points from two group matches. They were only separated by goal difference.

The Young Malayan Tiger leads the Group C standings with a goal difference of +16, while the Young White Elephant packs +7.

The two teams will meet in the last match of Group C to determine who is entitled to be the leader of the final standings.

The Malaysia U-19 vs Thailand U-19 match will be held at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

In addition, Malaysia and Thailand U-19 are two contestants who have actually confirmed themselves to qualify for the semifinals.

One of them will go to the knockout stages through the best runners-up route. You see, their points on that route can no longer be pursued by other participants even though there is still one match left.