President Jokowi: Victory Of The U-23 National Team In Indonesian History

President Joko Widodo accompanied by PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir (left) after watching the U-23 national team match against Turkmenistan with a score of 2-0, at Manahan Stadium Solo, Central Java, Tuesday (12/9/2023) night. ANTARA/Bambang Dwi Marwoto

SOLO - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the victory of the Indonesian U-23 national team was history, because since 2012 until now he has never won against Turkmenistan with a score of 2-0.

"I came with PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir to provide support for the match between the U-23 national team against Turkmenistan, and I saw the match was very hard and attacking each other, and the result was 2-0 for the Indonesian U-23 national team," said Jokowi, after watching the U-023 national team live against Turkmenistan with a score of 2-0 for Indonesia, at Manahan Stadium Solo, Central Java, reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 12.

According to Jokowi, Indonesia could win 2-0 over Turkmenistan, and Indonesia could enter Qatar.

Preparations for Qatar, said Jokowi, are still long in April 2024, so preparations are still long. The Indonesian U-23 national team will go there in a much more prepared condition, he also said.

"I think everyone is playing well. The team is still long until 2024, so they have to maintain their cooperation. The team is getting better and there is nothing wrong with passing," said Jokowi.

According to Jokowi, all lines, both front and back, are good and the cooperation has understood each other and everyone is playing well and the prediction is to win.

Meanwhile, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said he should be proud and happy, and this is Indonesia's history in the U-23 AFC championship in Qatar.

"It's been our history since 2012, we've never won, but we still have a lot of shortages," said Erick.

The Indonesian national team in the midfielder section is Marselino and Ivar Jenner. When the team has a rotation, it looks like Indonesia has to look for a coating player.

However, said Erick, don't be complacent. Don't let this victory become euphoric, but how this victory continues to build from developing the national team-17, U-20, and U-23. There is a lot that this player can see entering the senior team. This, which is felt to be a record in PSSI to prepare players.

"We at least prepare 150 players for senior players, U-23, U-20, and U-17, but not easy. However, I am grateful. I am of course the local competition has built its name pro-akademi elite," he said.