Jakarta – Following the Indonesian U-23 national team’s 0-1 defeat to south Korea, ending their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Asian Cup U-23, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir offered a brief message of gratitude.
Indonesia‘s U-23 squad concluded their Group J qualification campaign with four points - a 5-0 victory over Macau, a 0-0 draw with laos, and Tuesday’s loss to South Korea at Gelora Delta Sidorarjo Stadium in East Java. Despite the effort, the team finished 10th in the best runner-up standings, falling short of qualification alongside group winners China, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, and UAE. The failure to advance marks a setback for the program after reaching the semifinals in the previous edition under coach Shin Tae-yong, placing increased focus on the task ahead for current tactician Gerald Vanenburg.
Thohir, who witnessed the match at the stadium, expressed his thankfulness via social media. “Thank you Indonesian national team U23,” he posted alongside a photo of players Cahya supriadi and Robi Darwis.