The U-24 Indonesian National Team Expelled In The Last 16, Indra Sjafri Values Asian Games Should Use VAR

The U-24 Indonesian national team was eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Games. (Photo: Twitter/@TimnasIndonesia)

JAKARTA - The U-24 Indonesian national team was eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Games, Thursday, September 28. The Garuda Muda squad lost 0-2 to Uzbekistan through extra time.

Indonesia was actually able to hold back the goalless Uzbekistan until normal time was over. But they had to concede a Sherhod Esanov goal which started with a corner in the 92nd minute, before the same player doubled Uzbekistan's lead in the 120th minute.

While still 0-1 behind, Indonesia actually had time to score a return goal, but was later disallowed because of offside. Coach Indra Sjafri also regretted this,

"Actually, we don't know why the referee disallowed the goal, whether it was offside. Of course in an event of this size there needs to be VAR to be really valid offside or not offside," said Indra as quoted by Antara.

The former Bali United coach then highlighted the negligence of his team in anticipating set pieces. This is not the first time the U-24 national team has experienced it.

"Actually, it is also difficult for them to dismantle our compact defense, but again we conceded from a set piece, and the same as the match against Taiwan, North Korea, we also conceded from a set piece," he said. "And this may be our homework, not only in the Asian Games but also in other teams that we have to pay attention to," he added.

Indra said his team had played in a disciplined manner before the goal took place. He also said that his team had carried out what the coaching team wanted.

"Focus, keep every movement of UZbekistan players. But in football, sometimes there are mistakes and it is well utilized by Uzbekistan," said the coach who led the U-23 national team to win the 2023 SEA Games gold medal.