Jokowi Talks of Historic Win of U-23 Football Team Against Turkmenistan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi praised the victory of the Indonesian U-23 football team after defeating Turkmenistan in the decisive group match of the Asia Cup finals on Tuesday evening, September 12, 2023. He called it a historic victory.

“This is a historic win because I was told earlier that we (the Indonesian team) had never won against Turkmenistan since 2012. I think this is Pak Erick's birthday present,” Jokowi said after the match at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta City, Central Java, as quoted from the Presidential Press Bureau.

The President mentioned Erick Thohir who is the SOE Minister and chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). Besides Erick, Jokowi watched the match live with First Lady Iriana, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, PSSI Deputy Chair Zainudin Amali, PSSI Secretary-General Yunus Nusi, Central Java Acting Governor Nana Sudjana, and Surakarta Deputy Mayor Teguh Prakoso.

Indonesia is qualified for the Asia Cup finals

The Indonesian U-23 national team managed to qualify for the final round of the Asia Cup in Qatar after defeating Turkmenistan 2-0. The Garuda squad took the lead as Dutch-born midfielder Ivar Jenner scored a goal in the 40th minute. Pratama Arhan sealed the victory with a header in the injury time.

With this victory, the Indonesian U-23 team advanced to the top of Group K by pocketing six points, which is the result of two wins. Earlier in the group match on Saturday, September 9, the team previously won over Chinese Taipei 9-0.

Jokowi hopes that the Indonesian U-23 team coached by Shin Tae-yong could be more prepared for the U-23 Asia Cup finals in Qatar which will be held from April 15 to May 3, 2024.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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