Bima Sakti Pede Indonesia Qualifies For The Fall Of The 2023 U-17 World Cup

The coach of the Indonesian U-17 Bima Sakti national team (COSMAS KOPONG DEDES./VOI)

JAKARTA The coach of the Indonesian U-17 national team, Bima Sakti, is optimistic that his squad can qualify from the group stage at the 2023 U-17 World Cup which will take place in Indonesia.

The Garuda Muda troops avoided the hell group in the draw which was held on Friday, September 15 evening WIB. Ecuador, Morocco, and Panama, are the teams that will be with Indonesia in Group A.

"We are optimistic that we can qualify for the next round. Furthermore [during the training camp] in Germany we will look for opponents similar to Panama, Ecuador, and Morocco," he said.

Bima admits that there are no easy opponents in Group A. However, he believes his troops have a chance to make history while playing at home.

"There are no weak opponents in this group, but we have a chance. The players realize this is an elite level competition with an opponent that is not easy. In Germany, the national team will forge themselves," he said.

The U-17 Indonesian national team captain Iqbal Gwijangge also has confidence. He said that supporting Indonesian supporters would provide them with extra motivation.

"All countries in Group A are tough, but as hosts with the support of supporters we believe we can do our best. Players are all sure they will be able to make history," said Iqbal.

Later there will only be two best teams from each group that will automatically qualify for the knockout stages. They will be accompanied by four teams with the best runner-up predicates.

The U-17 World Cup will take place in Indonesia from November 10 to December 2, 2023. A total of 24 countries will participate in this event.

The grand U-17 age group tournament was held at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium Surabaya, Jalak Harupat Stadium Bandung, and Manahan Stadium Solo.