Don't Be Fast Satisfied, Indonesia U-19 Still Has To Pass The 2025 U-20 Asian Cup Qualification

Indonesia U-19 will face a real test in the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers (doc. PSSI).

The U-19 Indonesian national team has just won the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup after silencing Thailand U-19 with a score of 1-0 in the final match at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Monday, July 29, 2024.

The 11-year waiting for the title fast in this tournament has paid off. The last time Garuda Muda managed to come out as the champion of the AFF U-19 Cup was in the 2013 edition.

However, Indonesia U-19 must not be complacent. The 2024 AFF U-19 Cup is only an intermediate target. The real test is the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup Qualification in September 2024.

Indonesia U-19 is targeted to qualify or advance to the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup finals held in China.

"First, I would like to praise and thank Allah SWT because last year there was a 2023 SEA Games gold medal, this year there is the AFF U-19 Cup. Of course for me, it is a motivation to do better," said Indra Sjafri, the coach of Indonesia U-19.

"Secondly, of course, these are trophies and medals for players who are trying, working hard, where this team is prepared for approximately seven months, yes, starting January 2024."

"Of course, the winner of the AFF U-19 Cup is our good capital to be more confident in qualifying for the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup. We are very confident," said the coach again.

The presence of the Garuda Muda troops who won the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup is also a sign that the Indonesian national team has grown well.

This was expressed by the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir. He said that young Indonesian talents were born to become the backbone of the senior Indonesian national team in the future.

"Alhamdulillah, after the last winner in 2013, or 11 years ago, the U-19 Indonesian national team consisting of coating players, not only had good skills, but also had a winning mentality."

"So, it's amazing. I was happy yesterday that Indonesia U-16 in ASEAN (AFF U-16 Cup 2024) should also be able (chair). At least Indonesia U-16 can go to the final, but not yet (only won third place). Now, Indonesia U-19 is the champion," said Erick Thohir.

The composition of the U-19 Indonesian national team is currently dominated by players from League 1 clubs. This shows that Indonesia is equipped with mature young potential seeds in the league.

"So we're back, at least we have talents who can strengthen the lives of our national team."

"Surely, even the national team will be older and others. Hopefully, as part of how football should be built from below, not only from above," said the PSSI chairman again.

Meanwhile, Indonesia U-19 has been waiting for the 2024 U-20 Asian Cup Qualification. They are members of Group F with Yemen, Timor Leste, and the Maldives.

All of these matches will be held by Indonesia, which will host.