The U-23 Indonesian National Team Did Not Prepare A Penalty Scheme For The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup Semifinals

The U-23 Indonesian national team wants to win against Thailand U-23 in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals in the 90-minute match (VOI/Karisa Aurelia Tukan).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Gerald Vanenburg, looks at the 2025 AFF-23 Cup semifinal match with optimism. Facing Thailand U-23 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday, July 25, 2025, he wants to finish the match without a penalty shootout.

"I didn't train a penalty shootout because my target won in 90 minutes. I'm satisfied with the performances of Hokky (Caraka) and Jens (Raven), because they always create chances. Just waiting for goals to come."

"We have a good chance in all matches. So, I am optimistic that goals will come," said Gerald Vanenburg during a press conference ahead of the match at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The U-23 Indonesian national team qualified for the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals after winning Group A with a total collection of seven points. In the semifinals, Garuda Muda will be challenged by Group C winners, Thailand.

Regarding this opponent, Vanenburg considered Thailand as a very strong team. This is a challenge for him to determine the best tactics to win.

"We have to prepare ourselves because they have midfield and strong attacks and good defense. We have to find a way to beat them," said the Dutchman.

Vanenburg said his team had problems with player injuries, especially Arkhan Kaka, who had to miss the semifinals. However, he is quite sure to have a pretty good squad.

"So, there are three-four core players who are absent, quite a number. However, we have a good squad and I'm sure we can be ready to fight Thailand. This will be a difficult match, but we will fight," Vanenburg said.