Group K of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualification, at Manahan Stadium Solo, Central Java, Tuesday (09/12). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
Indonesia has qualified for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup Qualification in Qatar 2024 after securing a 2-0 victory over Turkmenistan in a match held at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta city, Central Java, Tuesday (09/12).
On that occasion, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi also witnessed the historic moment as Indonesia will compete in the championship for the first time.
The President said that he came to offer support to the Garuda Muda players.
“I came, along with Chairperson of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) Erick Thohir, to show my support for tonight’s match between our U23 national team and Turkmenistan. I saw that it was a hard-fought game with both teams going on the offensive. We already know the final score is 2-0. This is a historic moment because, as I was informed earlier, we haven’t defeated Turkmenistan since 2012. This is the greatest gift for Mr. Erick’s birthday present,” the President said.
During the match against Turkmenistan, Garuda Muda took the lead in the first half with a goal scored by Ivar Jenner in the 40th minute.
In the match against Turkmenistan, Garuda Muda managed to take the lead in the first half through a goal scored by Ivar Jenner in the 40th minute.
In the second half, Indonesia secured their victory with a goal scored by Pratama Arhan through a header in the final minute before the referee signaled the end of the match.
The President also expressed his appreciation for the excellent collaboration among the Indonesian national team players in this match.
“We saw a strong sense of mutual support among all the lines. The front, the midfield, and the back. They all performed exceptionally well together. They seemed to understand each other, and everyone played excellently,” he said.
With the victory, the Indonesian U23 national team has claimed the top spot in the qualifying group K standings for the 2024 U23 Asian Cup, having won two matches and accumulated 6 points. The Indonesian national team secured their first victory when they defeated Chinese Taipei 9-0, Saturday (09/09).
The Head of State also expressed hope that the Indonesian U23 national team can now prepare more extensively for the U23 Asian Cup finals in Qatar scheduled for April 15 to May 3, 2024, while expressing belief that the Indonesian U23 national team will be even more prepared when they compete in Qatar.
“Well, it’s a bit far off in April, so we have more time for preparations, and I believe we will be in a much better-prepared condition when we head there. I think everyone played exceptionally well,” the President noted.”
“Once again, since the match will be taking place in April next year, we must keep working to enhance our teamwork and minimize errors in the team’s performance,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/EP)
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