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| The Indonesian national team arrived in Japan to undergo a series of TC programs ahead of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup. (Doc. ANTARA) |
PEWARTA.CO.ID - The Indonesia U-20 national football team officially arrived in Japan on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as part of their preparation for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup, which will take place from February 6 to 23, 2025, in China.
The team, consisting of players, coaches, and support staff, landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo to begin a two-week training camp (TC) in the Land of the Rising Sun. Under the guidance of head coach Indra Sjafri, the team will conduct their training from November 6 to 23, 2023, in Japan.
During their time in Japan, the U-20 squad will engage in five friendly matches aimed at enhancing both the physical and mental readiness of the young players before the major competition next year.
“The purpose of our training in Japan is to prepare for the U-20 AFC Asian Cup in China. While in Japan, we will have five friendly matches. We are grateful for the support from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Indonesian community in Japan. Please keep us in your prayers,” said Indra in an official statement.
Warm welcome from the Indonesian community in Japan
Upon their arrival in Japan, the Indonesia U-20 national team received a warm reception from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo (KBRI) and the Indonesian community in Japan, including representatives from the Garuda Indonesia National Team Community. Their presence provided significant moral support for the young players as they settled in a foreign country.
Muhammad Al Aula, the Coordinator for Social and Cultural Information at the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo, expressed the embassy’s readiness to fully support the team during their training camp.
“Welcome to the U-20 National Team in Japan. This training program in preparation for the U-20 AFC Asian Cup in China is a valuable opportunity to prepare the Indonesian squad for the competition next year. The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo is always ready to fully support the needs of the U-20 National Team while they are in Japan,” Al Aula said, as quoted by ANTARA.
Preparation stage in Bali
Before heading to Japan, the Garuda Muda squad had already begun their preparation in Bali. From October 27 to November 3, 2023, 33 players underwent training on the island, which served as a warm-up before the final selection for the Japan training camp. Following this session, 30 players were selected to continue on to Japan.
Indonesia’s qualification for the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup was the result of their hard work during the qualification round. In late September, the Indonesian U-20 team topped Group F with a total of seven points, securing their spot in the prestigious Asian competition.
Preparation for the tournament in China
The final tournament will feature 16 teams, including strong contenders like host China, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Iraq, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan, along with Indonesia. The teams will be divided into four groups, with the group draw set to take place on November 17, 2024.
The intensive preparations are expected to improve the team’s performance and unity as they gear up for the challenging tournament ahead in China.
