After Bend Timor Leste, Menpora The U-23 National Team Value Is Not Optimal And Must Be Boosted Again

Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali (PR of KEMENPORA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali assessed that the Indonesian U-23 national team under Shin Tae-yong's care had a promising future. It's just that for now they are not so optimal.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports after watching the Indonesian national team against Timor Leste live on FIFA Matchday on Sunday, January 30, at the I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali. In that match, the Indonesian national team won with a score of 3-0.

"The national team is in a better direction, although not optimal," Amali said in an official statement on the website of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

To be optimal, the Indonesian U-23 national team must be diligent in conducting trials. In addition, the importance of competition will help hone their skills.

Menpora said that the Garuda squad made by the South Korean coach needed to be boosted again. Moreover, they are still at a young age so they still need more flying hours.

“The more matches they participate in, the more they will be honed. No matter how much practice, without competition, without a match, we will not be able to see the results," he said.

The victory over Timor Leste was the second victory for the Indonesian national team. Previously in the first match on Thursday, January 27, Shin Tae-yong's team managed to win 4-1 after falling behind first.

Shin Tae-yong will then prepare the team to appear in the AFF U-23 Cup in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on February 14-26 2022. To welcome this event, the Indonesian national team will hold a training camp in Bali.

Indonesia is in Group B with Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos. The Indonesian national team is the defending champion of the AFF U-23 Cup after winning it in 2019.