Indonesia U-19 Is Not Afraid To Face Anyone Opponent In The 2024 AFF U-19 Cup Semifinals

JAKARTA - The U-19 Indonesian national team confirmed itself to the semifinals of the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup. They won Group A after winning three matches against the U-19 Philippines (6-0), Cambodia U-19 (2-0), and Timor Leste U-19 (6-2).

Malaysia U-19 or Thailand U-19 is two teams that will be against Garuda Muda in the top four.

Arkhan Kaka and colleagues must face Group C winners in the semifinals. Young Malayan Tigers and Young White Elephants are the teams that are hunting for Group C winners.

The two teams will clash in Group C's final match on Thursday, July 25, 2024, to become leaders of the standings.

Seeing the potential opponent, Indonesia U-19 was not afraid. Indra Sjafri as the head coach has designed preparations for the top four, whoever his opponent is.

"We have four days to prepare for the semifinals. Whoever the opponent will be, if I'm not mistaken, we have to face Group C winners, whether it be Thailand or Malaysia, we are ready," said Indra.

Indonesia U-19's belief that it can go through the semifinals cannot be separated from the frequent meeting of Thailand U-19 and Malaysia U-19 in several previous events.

However, Indra Sjafri was reluctant to divulge the strategy for the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup semifinals.

"Yes, we will see for sure who will fight. If the opponent of Thailand is the last one at the SEA Games. I often fight Thailand quite often, which is a bit rare against Malaysia."

"So, we'll wait and see who we will fight. After that, it will be seen how to respond to them," said Indra Sjafri.

Indonesia U-19 will play the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup semifinals at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, on July 27, 2024.

Meanwhile, Indonesia U-19 has only won the AFF U-19 Cup once (2013), the same as Vietnam U-19 (2007).

The most titles with five trophies were pocketed by Thailand U-19 (2002, 2009, 2011, 2015, and 2017) and Australia U-19 (2006, 2008, 2010, 2016, and 2019).

Then, Malaysia U-19 (2018 and 2022) and Myanmar U-19 (2003 and 2005) both packed two trophies.