Persiapan Timnas U-20 Indonesia Menuju Kualifikasi Piala Asia U-20 2025
Two Indonesian descent players, Jens Raven and Meshaal Hamzah, have revealed the latest preparations of the U-20 Indonesian National Team ahead of the Asian U-20 Cup 2025 qualifiers. Both players confidently stated that the team is in good condition and ready to fight.
The PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) previously officially announced the list of players called up for the training camp of the Indonesian U-20 National Team ahead of the 2025 Asian U-20 Cup qualifiers. A total of 30 players were chosen, including diaspora players Jens Raven and Welber Jardim.
Before competing in the tournament, Garuda Nusantara (the nickname for the Indonesian national teams) has been preparing by holding a training camp at the Bali United Training Centre. Jens Raven expressed that the preparation for him and the other players has been going smoothly. “Our preparation has been very good, we can utilize the Bali United facilities,” he said, as quoted from the @timnasindonesia Instagram account on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Meshaal Hamzah, a player with Sudanese blood, echoed the same sentiment. He explained that from mental and skill aspects, the Indonesian U-20 National Team players are constantly improving. “Facing the second week now, our mental preparation is already good, our mentality, physical fitness, and skill level are improving,” he stated.
The defender, who currently plays for PSBS Biak, asked the supporters to be present at the stadium and provide support throughout the Indonesian U-20 National Team’s journey in the 2025 Asian U-20 Cup qualifiers. “We will return to Jakarta and face three important matches, hopefully you can attend at the stadium and continue to support us,” said the player whose full name is Meshaal Hamzah Basier Osman.
The Indonesian U-20 National Team has been drawn into Group F of the 2025 Asian U-20 Cup qualifiers, along with Yemen, Maldives, and Timor-Leste. Garuda Nusantara is scheduled to play their first match against Maldives on Wednesday, September 25. Afterward, they will face Timor-Leste on Friday, September 27, and then Yemen on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Venue Change for Qualifiers
All matches, which were initially scheduled to be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta Pusat, have now been shifted to the Gelora Bungkarno Madya Stadium. This decision was made due to information received by PSSI from the GBK management about the upcoming maintenance of SUGBK.
Target and Next Steps
The Indonesian U-20 National Team needs to at least become the runner-up in Group F to qualify for the final round of the 2025 Asian U-20 Cup. This biennial tournament will be held in China from February 2 to 23, 2025.
