JAKARTA (25 Sept 2011) – A successful tour of Hong Kong has put the Indonesia national Under-23 squad in a confident mood for the 26th edition of the SEA Games which they will be hosting in less than two months.
Chief coach Rahmad Darmawan admitted that the trip to Hong Kong was an invaluable experience..
“The boys showed improvement in tactical skills, teamwork and competition mentality,” said Rahmad. “But still, we need to sharpen our teamwork by playing against stronger teams.”
“We will send five players back to their respective clubs and give seven players a call-up,” he said. “It’s for refreshment. (The five players) still have a chance to return to the squad.”
The Indonesia youth squad opened their tour with a 4-0 win over Hong Kong’s Under-23 team before cruising 5-1 past Hong Kong Rangers and then scoring a 5-2 victory over the Daejeon Citizen Football Club.
After their return to Jakarta, the team has also been pencilled in to play against Persikab Bandung, Persija Jakarta and PSS Sleman. They will also take on the U23 teams of Oman and China.
Indonesia are aiming for their first football gold medal at the SEA Games since Jakarta last hosted the regional games back in 1991.
