Alfeandra, Elkan, and Justin Cancel Joining the U-23 National Team

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Plans to bring Alfeandra Dewangga, Elkan Baggott and Justin Hubner to strengthen the Indonesian U-23 National Team in the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar, which will take place from 15 April to 3 May 2024, must be cancelled.

The coach of the Indonesian U-23 National Team, Shin Tae-yong (STY), revealed that it was doubtful that the three players would be present to strengthen Indonesia in the tournament.

“The three players, namely Elkan (Baggott), Alfeandra Dewangga and Justin Hubner, are currently uncertain about being able to join. We are having difficulty confirming their presence, but we still have to prepare,” said the coach from South Korea as stated in PSSI page, Friday (5/4/2024).

STY explained that Alfeandra from PSIS experienced obstacles in leaving for Dubai because she had to undergo minor surgery due to a lump around her armpit.

As for Hubner, Cerezo Osaka is not willing to let him go because the Japanese club still needs contributions from the player.

Justin just joined Cerezo Osaka at the end of March after taking part in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Vietnam with the Indonesian National Team. Meanwhile, the reason for Elkan Baggott's cancellation has not yet been confirmed.

Responding to this situation, STY decided to summon Kakang Rudianto from Persib Bandung as additional strength squad Young Garuda.

STY ensured that Indonesia was combat ready to face Saudi Arabia in a trial match which was held on Friday (6/4/2024), before leaving for Qatar.

“Our preparations are complete. In the trials, we will test the overall condition of the players. We will divide the teams into two for each 45 minute round,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that the aim of the trial was to evaluate the physical condition and tactics of the players.

In this year's U-23 Asian Cup, Indonesia is in group A with hosts Qatar, Australia and Jordan.

The Indonesian national team will play their first match against Qatar on April 15, then face Australia on April 18 and Jordan on April 21.

At the moment, squad Garuda Muda is currently undergoing a training camp in Dubai, United Arab Emirates until April 10, before competing in the tournament. STY has called 28 players to join the training camp.