Indra Sjafri Responds To Criticism About Indonesian U-19 Strikers No More Fertile Than Defenders

Iqbal Gwijangge, U-19 Indonesian defender, the team's interim scorer (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The U-19 Indonesian national team has recorded a total of eight goals from the two 2024 AFF U-19 Cup Group A matches. However, of this number, only one goal was contributed by the striker.

Jens Raven scored the only goal as a substitute. This moment occurred when Indonesia U-19 won 6-0 against the U-19 Philippines in its inaugural match, July 17, 2024.

While the remaining seven goals were contributions from players in positions outside the striker. Two defenders scored five goals, Iqbal Gwijangge (3 goals) and Kadek Arel (2 goals). Two other goals were scored by winger Arlyansyah Abdulmanan.

This situation raises the assumption that the Indonesian U-19 national team striker is no more fertile than players in other positions. In response, Indra Sjafri as the head coach has his own views.

According to him, this does not need to be a polemic because Europe's top striker also doesn't necessarily score in a tournament.

"For us, whoever scores goals, there is no problem. So, strikers in Europe too, European teams, not strikers (only) who score goals," said Indra Sjafri, quoted on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Indra Sjafri further appreciated his team's productivity so far. During the two matches in the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup, Indonesia U-19 defense is still strong and has not conceded.

"We haven't conceded this yet and have eight goals in productivity. I think it's quite productive, whoever did this," said Indra.

However, the coach stressed the importance of evaluation both in defense and attacking lines. By increasing goal productivity and maintaining a solid defense, Garuda Muda's opportunity to win is wide open.

"We evaluate the defense, no conceding. Also, we have to score a lot of goals. We have to be able to score goals," he said.