Indonesia Avoids Hell Group In 2023 SEA Games Preliminary, Erick Thohir: Completes Gold Rebuttal Mission

JAKARTA - PSSI general chairman Erick Thohir responded to the results of the 2023 SEA Games drawing in Cambodia. According to him, this drawing could be a way for Indonesia to win gold.

The drawing of the 2023 SEA Games took place on Wednesday, April 5 afternoon at Phnom Penh, the result was that Indonesia avoided the hell group. Indra Sjafri's team is included in Group A with Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Timor Leste.

Even though it's not a hell group, Erick Thohir admits, there are no easy opponents.

"We have to fight hard to be able to complete the mission to win the SEA Games gold," Erick said in a written statement quoted on Wednesday, April 5.

Erick Thohir's reaction regarding Indonesia's efforts to win gold at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia was supported by Indra Sjafri's statement. The U-22 national team coach is confident in the stronger condition of his squad with the call of a number of players prepared for the U-20 World Cup.

"We also called a number of U-20 team players to take part in the U-22 team training camp. After seeing the results of the drawing, I always talk to the players, whoever the opponent is, we must remain focused, remain vigilant, and work hard to be the best," said Indra Sjafri.

Currently, Erick Thohir is still struggling to negotiate with FIFA for the longest sanctions to be set. This is related to FIFA's decision to revoke Indonesia's status as the host of the U-20 World Cup.

In addition, PSSI also hopes that the dynamics surrounding the U-20 World Cup will not affect Indonesia's participation in other events, such as the SEA Games.

"PSSI continues to communicate with FIFA. We hope together that we can appear in the SEA Games to win gold, which was last won at the 1991 SEA Games Manila," said Erick.