Indra Sjafri Doesn't Mind The Defeat Of The U-20 Indonesian National Team Over Thailand In The Trial Match

Indra Sjafri will promote Indonesian U-20 national team players during TC (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The U-20 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, did not bother with the unsatisfactory results his team received in the inaugural test match against Thailand U-20. The coach is relaxed because he has other goals than chasing victory.

The U-20 Indonesian national team faced Thailand U-20 in the inaugural trial match which was held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Friday, January 26, 2024, WIB night.

In that match, Garuda Muda lost 1-2. The U-20 Indonesia score took the lead through Toni Firmansyah. The white elephant then returned two goals through Paripan Wongsa and Pekanet Laohawiwat.

Even though his team lost, this was not a problem for Indra Sjafri. The coach said that winning was not what he was looking for from this match.

The coach from West Sumatra emphasized that the main thing he was looking for was seeing the quality and abilities of individual players of his choice.

The reason is, currently Garuda Muda is still implementing a promotion and relegation system during the training camp (TC) series. Players who are considered unable to compete will be dropped from the team.

"I comment a little on the first international trial match of the U-20 Indonesian national team where the goal is to see or ensure the quality of players individually," said Indra Sjafri in a press conference after the match.

In addition to undergoing the test match against Thailand, the U-20 Indonesian national team will also undergo further trials against Uzbekistan. From these two matches, it will be considered to determine which players will be maintained or repatriated.

"So, after several trial matches, we want to immediately get material to conclude who (players) can still be part of the U-20 Indonesian national team in the future," said Indra.

Given the main purpose of the trial to see the ability of the players, Indra Sjafri then carried out a full rotation so that all the players appeared. "We also made a lot of changes. Of course we also want to see anyone who fits our expectations," said Indra again.

The next trial party of the U-20 vs Uzbekistan U-20 Indonesian national team is planned to be held at the Madya Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, on January 30, 2024.