SURABAYA – The success of the Indonesian U-23 National Football Team in reaching the semifinals after eliminating South Korea was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) AA LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti.
As the former Chairman of Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), he is proud of the team, which he said had made an achievement that managed to make history.
“We are proud of the U-23 national team’s historic achievement of qualifying for the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup. I congratulate the Young Garuda squad. Let’s continue to support and pray for them to make it to the final and win the championship. I was touched by the players’ struggle until extra time and penalty shootouts. They fought until the end,” LaNyalla said during his recess activities in Surabaya, East Java, Friday (26/4).
If they manage to qualify for the final round, or even win the 2024 Asian Cup title, the ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics will be held by the squad commanded by Rizky Ridho.
“Let us also pray that the Indonesia U-23 national team qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The opportunity is in sight. We are sure that we can,” said LaNyalla.
The senator from East Java invited all Indonesian people to continue to provide endless enthusiasm and support to the Indonesian U-23 Football National Team.
Although the country faced in the semifinals is not an easy opponent, LaNyalla is optimistic the team can win it.
“Of course the support and prayers from all Indonesian people will be additional ammunition for the Indonesian U-23 national team to be able to continue to maintain a positive trend on the green field. We pray and we believe Indonesia can do it!” LaNyalla said.
The Indonesian U-23 Football National Team managed to qualify for the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup after defeating South Korea at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, Friday morning (Indonesia time).
The 2-2 score lasted until the second and extra rounds ended. The penalty shootout was carried out and won by Indonesia with a score of 11-10.
The phenomenal win gives Indonesia U-23 a chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, as the top three teams (U-23 Asian Cup winner, runner-up, and third-placed) will automatically qualify for the quadrennial Games.
Meanwhile, the fourth-placed team is scheduled to face the fourth-placed African regional team, Guinea U-23 for a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Don’t forget, it’s not just skills and techniques that are put forward. Non-technical conditions, remembering Allah SWT must also be done. My children, the national team players, don’t forget to keep worshiping and asking for help from the Almighty, because life is about effort and prayer,” he hoped.
