Jokowi Congratulates the Indonesian National Team on Reaching the Semifinals of the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup: Extraordinary Achievement

JAKARTA – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) responded to the victory U-23 Indonesian National Team who beat the South Korean national team in the quarter-finals of the U-23 Asian Cup. According to Jokowi, this victory was an extraordinary achievement for the Indonesian national team. This, he said, became new history because the Indonesian U-23 National Team managed to qualify for the semifinals for the first time.

“The extraordinary achievement of the Indonesian U-23 National Football Team (Timnas) after defeating South Korea in the quarter-finals of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup. The first time Indonesia has managed to reach the semifinals in this competition, very historic!” said Jokowi, quoted from the account. His X, Friday (26/4/2024).

Jokowi also congratulated and gave encouragement to the Indonesian U-23 National Team in carrying out the semifinal match and being able to win tickets for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Congratulations to the Garuda Muda national team! Hopefully in the semifinals, Indonesia can make the most of the opportunity and win a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Keep up the enthusiasm, Indonesian National Team!,” said Jokowi.

As previously reported, the U-23 Indonesian National Team was surprisingly able to make history by qualifying for the semifinals for the first time after winning on penalties 11-10 after drawing 2-2 in 120 minutes with the South Korean National Team. The match was held on Friday (26/4) early morning at Abdullah Stadium

Until 90 minutes into the match, the score 2-2 had not changed. The referee was forced to continue the match into extra time. Two extra rounds (120 minutes of action), no additional goals were scored. Referee Shaun Evans was forced to determine the winner through a penalty shootout.

In the high-five drama, the Garuda Muda squad won with a score of 11-10. This sensational victory gave Indonesia U-23 the opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The top three teams automatically qualify for the quadrennial sporting event (U-23 Asian Cup champion, runner up and third place). Meanwhile, a fourth-ranked team is scheduled to face the fourth-ranked African region, Guinea U-23, to get tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

(sto)