Champion in the AFF U-19 Cup, Indra Sjafri’s Next Target is to Qualify for the U-20 Asian Cup

Surabaya, Todaysgist.com – Indonesian U-19 National Team Coach Indra Sjafri stated that after winning the AFF U-19 Cup title, the next target is to bring the Young Garuda to qualify for the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup in China.

Indonesia successfully won the AFF U-19 Cup for the second time after defeating Thailand U-19 with a score of 1-0 thanks to Jens Raven’s winning goal in the final match at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Monday (30/7/2024).

“Becoming champions in the AFF Cup is a good capital to increase our confidence to qualify for the Asian Cup. We are very confident,” said Indra in a press conference after the match, Monday (30/7/2024).

The U-20 Asian Cup in China is scheduled to take place in February next year, and Indonesia’s journey to the event will begin with qualifying matches in September.

In the qualifying round, Indonesia will host Group F, which consists of Yemen, Timor Leste, and the Maldives.

The coach from Batang Kapas, West Sumatra, revealed that the success in winning the AFF U-19 Cup title gave him confidence and optimism to be able to play in the U-20 Asian Cup.

“As we said before, our main target is not the AFF Cup, but the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers. In September, we will play against Yemen, Maldives and Timor Leste,” he said.

Indra said the success in the AFF U-19 Cup was a motivation to continue to try better. He dedicated the trophy to the players who he considered had tried and worked hard.