The National Team Lost Adu Penalti In The AFF U-23 Final, Menpora: Just Unlucky

Menpora Dito Ariotedjo (ANTARA)

SOLO - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo asked the Indonesian U-23 national team players not to get involved in their disappointment after losing on penalties in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup final match against Vietnam, Saturday, August 26.

Dito assessed that the national team had played optimally and lost due to only luck.

"In my opinion, the defeat in the penalty shootout was only a matter of luck, just a matter of handlines. I saw that our players performed well for 120 minutes. They defended and attacked equally well," said the Menpora Saturday night.

In that match, both teams drew goalless in normal time and extra time. In the penalty shootout, Garuda Muda lost 6-5, after the national team goalkeeper, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi, who stepped forward as the sixth executioner, failed to execute a 12-paced shot.

Despite losing, Dito also expressed his appreciation for Ernando Ari et al's struggle.

"There is no specific note or evaluation of the performance of the Indonesian national team tonight. We and PSSI will continue the existing programs to build Indonesian football," said Dito.

The nobar activity itself was also attended by the Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Mangkunegara X. Gibran expressed optimism that the Indonesian national team would win the title in the next competition.

"Next time I will win," said Gibran.

The eldest son of President Joko Widodo also expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm of the enthusiastic audience in watching the AFF U23 Cup final between Indonesia and Vietnam.

"The enthusiasm of the audience in watching today's final match was very good. Even though we were unlucky, the spirit of nationalism remained extraordinary," he added.