Indra Sjafri Hopes To Match East Java

JAKARTA - The coach of the U-19 Indonesian national team, Indra Sjafri, hopes that he will return to "match" with "East Java" after delivering the U-19 national team to the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup final in Surabaya, East Java.

East Java became a "home" for Indra after being in the 2013 edition in Sidoarjo, the coach from Batang Kapas, West Sumatra, led Evan Dimas and his friends to win the AFF U-19 Cup for the first time.

In this year's edition in Surabaya, Indra returned to the AFF U-19 Cup final for the second time after breaking a record of never having fought Malaysia U-19 in the semifinal match with a 1-0 victory through Muhammad Alfharezzi Buffon's goal in the 77th minute at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Saturday.

The victory in Monday's final match against Thailand U-19 will make Indonesia collect two AFF U-19 Cup titles from two final appearances.

"I'm sorry we can go to the final. As stated yesterday, this is my second final in East Java and hopefully East Java will be a good city for me," said Indra at a press conference session after the match.

To prepare for the final against Emerson Pereira's children later, Indra said his first homework was to restore the condition of the players.

"Thailand also won earlier and finally met Thailand again," said Indra.

"He won a few hours of recovery and I ask the team of doctors to work tonight about who the injured players are and provide a quick recovery to the players," he added.