TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir has requested the Indonesian U-23 national team not to get complacent after a resounding 8-0 victory against Brunei Darussalam in the opening match of Group A in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. "Do not get cocky just because you won 8-0 against Brunei," Erick told reporters after the match in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Erick evaluates that Brunei is not a suitable yardstick to measure Indonesia's strength. According to him, after this resounding victory, Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) must quickly shift their focus to the second match against the Philippines on Friday.
The Philippines defeated Malaysia, who were semifinalists in the 2023 edition, with a 2-0 score. "I don't think this huge victory can be a good benchmark because, as we know, the Philippines' team defeated Malaysia 2-0," said Eric, who is also the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.
The 55-year-old man wants Indonesia to again secure three points from the Philippines to quickly seal a spot in the semifinals, and then achieve the championship, as was achieved in 2019 in the era of Indra Sjafri.
"The Philippines cannot be underestimated. Especially since our target is to advance from the group stage, maybe even reach the semifinals, or even become champions. Because the last time, I saw it myself, back then we reached the final against Vietnam in Thailand (2023). It was a pity that we lost at that time," he said.
He mentioned that Gerald Vanenburg made a "good start" as the coach of the Indonesian U-23 national team.
Erick also praised Jens Raven who scored six goals in this match. "From what I saw, his play in the first half was very good. But again, that's not a measure because we haven't played against the Philippines or Malaysia. The same goes for Raven, appreciation for his many goals, but it's not a measure, because we haven't played against the Philippines or Malaysia," said Erick.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia Defeats Brunei Darussalam 8-0 in 2025 AFF U-23 Cup
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