TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi believed the achievements of the Indonesian U-23 National Team in the 2024 Asian Cup were worthy of appreciation. As debutants, the team coached by Shin Tae-yong qualified for the semifinals.

Jokowi expressed his appreciation for the U-23 team via his Instagram social media account @jokowi, posted on Friday, May 3, 2024. The President responded to Garuda Muda's (Young Garuda) 1-2 defeat to Iraq in Qatar this Thursday, May 2, 2024.

"The Indonesian U-23 National Football Team must be willing to accept being defeated 1-2 by Iraq in their struggle in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. As a debut team, their achievements up to the semifinals are worthy of appreciation," said Jokowi.

He asked the U-23 national team to remain high-spirited in order to win tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympics in the playoffs.

"Keep your head high, Young Garuda, and win tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympics in the playoff match against Guinea," said the President.

After being defeated by Iraq in the fight for third place and the sure ticket to the Olympics, Indonesia has to undergo a playoff match against Guinea. The game is slated for May 9 in France. Meanwhile, Iraq has secured its own ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympics after Japan and Uzbekistan.

ANTARA

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