Erick Thohir Evaluation Of The U-23 Indonesian National Team Serang Line

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir met with the media crew after the match. (Doc. VOI/Cosmas Kopong Beda)

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir evaluated the U-23 Indonesian national team attack after only narrowly winning over the Philippines in the second match of the 2025 AFF Cup group stage.

Gerald Vanenburg's squad secured three points with a single goal from the suicide of Jaime Rosqullo at Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Erick regretted that the dominant performance of Indonesian players against the Philippines could not produce many goals, so there needed to be an evaluation in the attack line.

"Later, we hope that the sharpness of the attack must be increased. So, if the field is at its maximum, but it must be added again [the quality of the front line]," he said after the match.

Match statistics recorded that Indonesia controlled 67 percent of possession in this match. The Garuda squad also fired 17 shots, seven of which were on target.

Erick considered that despite Indonesia's brilliant performances, the opposing team also had rapid developments, especially the goalkeeper who was guarding their goal.

"We see for ourselves that the Philippines is increasing rapidly. The proof is that until the last minute they can strike back. We appreciate their goalkeepers who performed well," he said.

This is Indonesia's second victory in the preliminary round of Group A. Previously in the first match, the Garuda Muda squad managed to win eight goals without reply against Brunei Darussalam.

This result makes Indonesia sit at the top of the standings with six points. They were followed by the Philippines in second place with three points, Malaysia in third place with the same points, and Brunei the caretaker without points.