Bima Sakti Apologizes For Not Being Able To Qualify Indonesia For The Last 16 Of The 2023 U-17 World Cup

The U-17 Indonesian national team has fought hard in the 2023 U-17 World Cup. (PSSI Media)

SURABAYA - The U-17 Indonesian national team finally stopped in Group A of the 2023 U-17 World Cup. Garuda Muda did not qualify for the round of 16. The Bima Sakti coach apologized for the failure of the U-17 national team.

Indonesia certainly did not qualify after Mexico U-17 beat New Zealand U-17 4-0 and Burkina Faso U-17 beat South Korea U-17 2-1. Mexico's U-17 success made them second in Group F.

Meanwhile, Venezuela U-17, which dropped to third place, finally fought for tickets to the last 16 through the best three. As a result, Venezuela still qualified because it had four points. Meanwhile, Indonesia only got two points.

If Burkina Faso U-17 and Mexico U-17's match ends in a draw, then Indonesia still has hope of qualifying for the round of 16. However, that hope did not match reality and Indonesia had to be eliminated early.

"We apologize to all Indonesian people for not qualifying for the last 16 of the 2023 U-17 World Cup. Thank you for all the prayers and support given to us," said the Indonesian national team coach U-17 Bima Sakti.

"All players have fought hard and played optimally. Frankly playing in this event is really an extraordinary experience for us," said Bima further.

Bima said that the U-17 national team players have good potential and future. This is what makes them projected to be the backbone of the U-19 and U-20 national teams.

"The U-17 national team children have a bright future and their potential is extraordinary. God willing, they will be prepared for the U-20 national team next year with coach Indra Sjafri," he said.

"They are prepared to participate in various international tournaments. I hope they continue to work hard, be disciplined, improve their abilities and maintain their attitude," Bima added.

Meanwhile, striker Arkhan Kaka stated that he represented the Garuda Muda squad, apologizing if he could not bring Indonesia through to the round of 16. He said that the team had fought hard to achieve the best results.

"Playing in the 2023 U-17 World Cup is really an extraordinary experience for us. We have to learn a lot and continue to improve our abilities so that in the future we will be even better," said Arkhan Kaka.

"Thank you for all the support from the Indonesian people to us during this tournament," he said.