The Indonesian U19 national team won the 2024 Asean U19 Boys Championship or AFF U19 Cup. Thailand followed as runner-up and Australia secured third place. This certainty was obtained after Indonesia defeated Thailand 1-0 in the final round which took place at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, East Java, Monday (29/7/2024).
Garuda Nusantara’s victory was obtained through a contribution scored by Jens Raven in the 17th minute. This achievement was also his fourth goal in this tournament. The positive results obtained in last night’s match were a sweet wait for Indonesia after 11 years.
Indonesia last won the AFF U19 Cup in 2013 after defeating Vietnam. Interestingly, both victories were achieved in East Java and led by coach Indra Sjafri. At that time, Indonesia came out to become the first champion after defeating Vietnam 7-6 on penalties, where previously they had drawn 0-0 in the normal round and extra time at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo, East Java.
“Maybe it’s God’s blessing, also from the hard work of the players. Thank you, the Indonesian people, we can be champions,” said Kadek Arel in a short interview after the match. Kadek opened the key to the motivation of the Indonesian players to become champions for the second time.
“Of course this is not easy, we practice three to four times, maybe this is also thanks to hard work, thank you to God too and my friends can work hard in this final and become champions,” explained Kadek. The sweet record obtained in last night’s match was a perfect achievement for Garuda Nusantara in the 2024 AFF U19 Cup.
Indonesia recorded five wins from the matches played in the preliminary round of Group A to the final. Indra Sjafri’s team won over the Philippines (6-0), Cambodia (2-0), Timor Leste (6-2), Malaysia (1-0) and Thailand (1-0).
Meanwhile, Australia came out in third place after defeating Malaysia 5-3 on penalties, after drawing 1-1 in the normal round, Monday (29/7/2024). Australian player, Jake Najdovski, received the top scorer award. He managed to score five goals.
ASL
