Indra Sjafri Leaks Reasons For Crossing Out Arkhan Fikri To Meshal Hamzah

JAKARTA - The U-20 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, crossed out three players from the main squad ahead of appearing in the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup. The three were Arkhan Kaka, Riski Afrisal, to Meshaal Hamzah.

Regarding the reasons for not including the three names in the main squad, Indra Sjafri had his own reasons. He said this deletion occurred because of the intense competition in the selection process which left the three eliminated.

"That's what I said earlier, there are three new players who can eliminate old players as mentioned earlier. There is (Riski) Africial, there is Kaka, and there is Meshaal."

"Therefore, I appreciate our competition, I appreciate coaching at the club. They can enter into the squad of 23 of our best players," said Indra.

Meshaal's deletion was linked to the situation that is now joining the Thai club, Nakhon Pathom United. He is reportedly not released by the club.

However, this was denied by Indra Sjafri. Meshaal will indeed join the club that appears in Thai League 1 on loan for six months.

"This week we thank God all clubs are Legowo no longer calling their players. This means that this week all players will no longer return to the club," he said.

With the deletion of the three names above, Indra Sjafri has automatically pocketed the names of the players who will fill the vacant position. They are Fava Shefa Rustanto (PSPS), Evandra Florasta (Bhayangkara FC), and Aulia Rahman (PSIS).

In the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup, Garuda Muda will occupy Group C with Uzbekistan U-20, Iran U-20, and Yemen U-20.

Indonesia U-20 will play their first match against Iran on February 13, 2025.

Champions and runners-up for the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup group will qualify for the quarter-finals. Later, the four teams that qualify for the semifinals will get tickets to the 2025 U-20 World Cup.