September 8, 2025 | 09:05 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Football observer Kesit Budi Handoyo said that the chances for Indonesia's U-23 national team to qualify for the final of the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup are very slim. In order to qualify, the Garuda Muda squad must win the final qualifying match in Group J against South Korea, which will take place at Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo, East Java, on September 9, 2025.
In the previous two matches of the 2026 U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, South Korea has dominated. This poses a significant challenge for Indonesia, which must defeat them in order to qualify for the final round. "I think the chance of defeating South Korea is not easy, although there is a possibility of winning," said Kesit, when contacted by Tempo on Sunday, September 7, 2025.
According to calculations, if Indonesia wins against South Korea, the young Garuda team will surpass South Korea, who currently hold the top spot in the group with 7 points. However, the outcome will be different if Indonesia can only manage a draw. "If it's a draw, Indonesia will only have 5 points, and if they lose, they won't gain any additional points," he said.
It will be very difficult for Indonesia to qualify as the best runner-up. Out of eleven groups, only the top four runner-up teams will qualify due to the tight competition. Currently, according to Kesit, there are four teams with 6 points, including China and Iran. "This means they are safer to occupy the second best ranking," he said.
At the moment, the U-23 national teams of Turkmenistan, Iran, China, and Yemen have each earned 6 points. Some teams have earned more points in their next matches, while Indonesia has only recorded 4 points in the second match.
Kesit explained that South Korea is the favorite team in Group J of the Asian Cup qualifiers. In the last two matches, they played without conceding any goals. They achieved victories with a significant number of goals, both against Macau and Laos. As such, the strength of the young Taeguk Warrior team can be measured in this group.
Observing the first and second matches of Gerald Vanenburg's squad, Kesit noted some changes. In the second match against Macau, Garuda Muda played with more creativity, although not yet optimal. Five goals were scored in that match, proving a significant improvement for Indonesia. "There's an increase in determination, an increase in creativity from the previous matches," he said.
He mentioned that selecting players with creativity in the Garuda team is not easy. According to him, it requires players with a special character to manage the game on the field maturely. "Facing South Korea, they need to give it their all. This is a do-or-die match," Kesit said.
If Indonesia continues to play in the same pattern as in the first match against Laos, the team will have difficulty securing a victory. Garuda Muda needs to maintain the team's performance as they did against Macau. "The ball is round, there's still a chance to earn full points from that match. But it requires hard work," he said. "From a technical standpoint, it's difficult for Indonesia."
Editor's Choice: Indonesia U-23 Victorious Over Macau in AFC U-23 Championship Qualifier
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Asian Cup Qualifiers: Indonesian U-23 National Team Needs to Be Wary of South Korean Players
8 menit lalu
The U-23 Indonesia national team needs to be prepared for several counterattacks from South Korea, as shown in the 2025 U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
Micro-Earthquake Shakes Ciater Area in Subang, Indonesia
17 menit lalu
The micro-earthquake also occurred in Konawe, South Konawe, and Kendari more strongly today. Check out the data from BMKG.
Reopening Indonesia's Int'l Flight Routes Strengthens Global Competitiveness, Says Minister
30 menit lalu
Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the reopening of international flight routes strengthens Indonesia's global competitiveness.
Shrimp Radiation Scare Hits Market; Indonesian Govt Urged to Be Transparent
2 jam lalu
Shrimp Club Indonesia (SCI) asserts that shrimp from Indonesia remains safe for consumption.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia's Rupiah Predicted to Weaken Early Next Week
11 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Kolese Gonzaga High School Reaffirms Students' Right to Participate in Indonesia's Democracy
12 jam lalu
Forms of participation such as social media campaigns, petition drives, and voicing aspirations are a tangible manifestation of freedom of expression protected by the law.
Indonesian Education Ministry Issues Circular on School Student Expression of Aspirations
13 jam lalu
The Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a circular regarding the way school students express their opinions.
5 Essential Tips for Watching Tonight's Total Lunar Eclipse
14 jam lalu
The total lunar eclipse lasts for about 1 hour 22 minutes out of the whole process, which takes more than 5 hours. This phenomenon can be observed in Indonesia, weather permitting.
South Korea Angered as Hundreds of Hyundai Employees Arrested in the US
19 jam lalu
Hundreds of South Korean Hyundai employees were arrested by U.S. immigration authorities, angering South Korea.
Indonesia's Rupiah Predicted to Weaken Early Next Week
21 jam lalu
The prediction of Indonesia's rupiah exchange rate to close weaker on Monday, September 8, 2025. What caused it?
