Indonesia failed the AFF U-23 champion, the Menpora remained appreciated the struggle of Garuda Muda

VIRALTERKINI.ID, JAKARTA-The Indonesian U-23 national team must be satisfied to be runner-up in the AFF U-23 2025 Cup after Vietnam with a thin score of 0-1 in the final match held at the Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Tuesday night (29/7/2025).

Vietnam’s single goal was scored by Nguyen Cong Phuon in the 37th minute. Despite playing in front of tens of thousands of his own supporters, Garuda Muda failed to return the goal until the long whistle sounded.

This defeat made Indonesia fail again to win the title at the Southeast Asian age level.

Despite failing to bring home the trophy, high appreciation is still given by the Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Indonesia (Menpora RI), Dito Ariotedjo.

The Menpora assessed that foster children Gerald coach Vanenburg had shown maximum performance throughout the tournament.

“Certainly we still appreciate the struggle of the U-23 national team. Indonesia can reach the final, meaning that the strategy and pattern of the game have shown progress,” said the Menpora Dito after the match.

Furthermore, Dito revealed that his party was optimistic that PSSI would conduct a comprehensive post-Turnamen evaluation.

According to him, future preparations must be more mature considering a number of big agendas await, including maintaining a gold medal in the upcoming SEA Games.

“In the future, of course there must be an evaluation and strengthening of the strategy. We must ensure the team’s readiness for the next big events. Our main target is to maintain the SEA Games gold,” said Dito.

In addition to appreciating the player’s struggle, the Menpora also gave awards for the extraordinary support of supporters who filled the stadium.

Based on the official data of the committee, as many as 35,592 spectators were present directly at SUGBK to provide support to Garuda Muda.

“We see that the stadium was crowded. This shows that the support of the public for national football is extraordinary. To the public, we ask that we continue to support and pray for the Indonesian national team to continue to develop,” said Dito.

Support also came from the Chairperson of PSSI, Erick Thohir, who also attended the final match.

Erick regretted the final result, but still gave appreciation to the struggle of Indonesian young squad.

“We did lose, but I still appreciate the enthusiasm and hard work of the team. They have struggled to the final even with conditions that are not ideal,” Erick said.

Erick highlighted a number of obstacles faced by the team, including the absence of several key players in top condition.

The two names he called were Arkhan Fikri and Toni Firmansyah who did not perform optimally due to disruption of physical condition.

“If asked whether this is our best team, of course not. Arkhan and Toni are core players, but both are not in 100 percent condition. That affects the balance of our game, especially in midfield. But I emphasize, that is not the reason for defeat,” he said.

Despite failing to win, the Indonesian national team still carve a positive record in this tournament. Two young Garuda players even won individual awards.

Jens Raven came out as the tournament’s top score, while Muhammad Ardiansyah was named the best goalkeeper.

This achievement is considered a positive signal for the development of the young generation of Indonesian football.

“This award proves that we have great talents. This must continue to be fostered so that later it becomes the backbone of the senior team,” Erick said.

The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup became an important stage for the evaluation and strengthening of the age group national team foundation.

Although the main trophy has not been successfully achieved, the performance presented by Garuda Muda is a hope of a bright future for Indonesian football.

PSSI and Kemenpora will certainly continue to develop and develop more systematically.

The hope, the shortcomings that occur in this event can be improved before facing other major events, both in the Southeast Asian region and the more competitive Asian level.