Ask The U-17 National Team To Show Calmness When Facing The UAE, Bima Sakti: Not Affected By Provokers And Don't Make Violations

The U-17 national team coach in a press conference after defeating Guam (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian U-17 national team, Bima Sakti, asked his squad to appear calm against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the continued match of Group B of the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, Wednesday at Pakansari Stadium, Cibinong, Bogor.

"I want players to focus on the game. I am not affected by provocations and do not make violations, especially near the penalty box," Bima said as quoted by Antara, Tuesday.

The tactician who brought Indonesia to the 2022 AFF U-16 Cup champion continued, teams from Arabs such as the UAE have players with high postures.

The physical advantage can be used by the UAE to score goals from a set piece situation.

Then, the UAE was judged by Bima to have had a good counterattack. This was studied by Bima when he met the UAE twice in a test match in Dubai in 2020.

"Indeed, at that time the national team was different from the current generation. However, the UAE was still a good team. When competing there, we had to deal with their quick counterattack several times," said the 46-year-old man.

Even so, Bima admitted that he did not have a specific strategy to fight the UAE on Wednesday.

He chose to return to the fitness of his players who had just played against Guam on Monday.

"We also provide nutritious food, vitamins and supplements to help with the recovery process," said Bima.

The Indonesian national team was able to beat Guam with a score of 14-0 in their first match in Group B of the U-17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers. Arkhan Kaka's goals were made by Arkhan Kaka (four goals), Narendra Tegar, Muhammad Riski Afrisal, Sulthan Zaky, defender of Guam Donovan John Moss, Jehan Pahlevi, Muhamad Gaoshirowi, Habil Abdilla Yafi, Figo Dennis, Muhammad Nabil Ashura and Ji Da-bin.

The result makes Indonesia temporarily in second place in Group B standings with three points from one match, below the top of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) standings with six points (two matches).

Malaysia is perched just below Indonesia because it is left behind by the goal difference even though it is the same point. Palestine and Guam are always at the fourth and fifth steps.