German Club Hoffenheim Players Become Saviors of the U-17 Indonesian National Team

Diaspora Amar Brkic became the hero of the U-17 Indonesian national team against SV Meppen. (Photo.: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA – The Indonesian U-17 National Team (Timnas)  avoided defeat against SV Meppen thanks to an equalizing goal from diaspora player Amar Rayhan Brkic. The Indonesian U-17 national team drew 1-1 when facing SV Meppen U-17 at SV Hemsen Field, Meppen, Germany, Tuesday, October 17, 2023 evening Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

In this match, the Bima Sakti team conceded the goal in the 80th minute. Amar then saved Indonesia thanks to an equalizing goal in the 90th minute.

Amar, who is a player of German-Indonesian descent, admitted that he was happy with his contribution to Garuda Muda. Moreover, this was his first goal for Indonesia.

"I felt very happy after scoring the first goal for Indonesia, very emotional for me, I couldn't control my feelings. It was extraordinary for me," said Amar as quoted by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) website.

Amar is one of several diaspora players who has the potential to defend Indonesia in the 2023 U-17 World Cup which will take place in Indonesia from 10 November to 2 December.

This player belonging to the TSG Hoffenheim U-17 club joined the Indonesian U-17 National Team training camp in Germany on October 8.

Indonesia still has one more trial match remaining before returning to Indonesia. The last test match was against FC Koln.

The series of training camps in Germany is part of preparations for the U-17 World Cup later. Indonesia was appointed by FIFA to host after Peru was dropped.