Indra Sjafri Waswas, Asks The Public Not To Throw More Praise At Indonesian U-19 Players

Indonesia U-19 silences the U-19 Philippines with a landslide score of 6-0 (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA The U-19 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, did not cover up his feelings of happiness after his team successfully won big over the U-19 Philippines.

In the inaugural match of Group A of the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup which was held at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, WIB night, the Garuda Muda squad won 6-0.

However, the positive result actually made the coach wary. Indra Sjafri was happy, but he submitted a request to the media and the people of the country regarding his team's achievements.

The coach asked his players not to be exaggerated or given excessive praise.

The coach's reason is clear enough. He felt that excessive scrutiny could make his players feel happy.

In fact, the victory over The Azkals was still very early considering the struggle in the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup was still very long.

"Finally, we built this team together, escorted them, there was no need to be praised. So, later I will beg the media crew very much, don't let these players feel happy in this inaugural match, continue to feel great," said Indra Sjafri in his statement after the match. quoted on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

"We still need a long time to prepare a new generation of Indonesian national team players," he said.

In the inaugural match of Group A of the AFF U-19 Cup, the tap of the Indonesia U-19 goal was opened by Arlyansyah Abdulmanan in the 13th minute.

Then, Iqbal Gwijangge doubled his lead in the 21st minute, followed by Kadek Arel in the 29th minute.

Iqbal Gwijangge made his name on the scoreboard again after breaking into the opponent's goal in the 43rd minute. Likewise with Arlyansyah, he managed to score a brace in the 51st minute.

Finally, the U-19 Indonesian national team's victory closed with a sweet goal from naturalized player Jens Raven, in the 88th minute.

Regarding Raven's first goal for Indonesia U-19, Indra Sjafri also welcomed him positively. For the coach, Raven can prove his performance even though he got off the bench.

"Of course I am grateful, Jens Raven only played 15 minutes to score one goal," said Indra Sjafri.

After a meeting with the Philippines U-19, Indonesia U-19's struggle continued with the face of Cambodia U-19 on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, at 19.30 WIB.