National U23 Team Out Of 2025 AFF U23 Cup After Goaless Draw With Indonesia

JAKARTA, July 21 (Bernama) -- The national Under 23 (U23) football team’s hopes of advancing to the semifinal of the 2025 U23 Championship ended after they were held to a goalless draw against Indonesia in their last Group A match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium tonight.

Despite tonight’s result, coach Nafuzi Zain expressed pride towards his charges, especially the defence, singling out goalkeeper  Zulhilmi Sharani for his excellent performance in fending off Indonesia’s constant attacks and keeping a clean sheet.

“Congratulations to all players who displayed a high degree of fighting spirit. Taking on Indonesia in front of thousands of their fans isn’t easy, but the players managed to rein in their emotions and play with confidence, without hesitation,” he said after the match.

He stressed that the young squad had improved from match to match, especially since many of them were playing for the first time at the international level.

“We changed our approach in the first half to defend and wait to counterattack, before piling on the pressure in the second half in hopes for a goal.

“I’m a bit disappointed to not be going to the semifinal, but overall, I’m proud of the increased performance by the team,” he said, adding that the squad would fully focus on the U23 Asian Cup qualifiers after this.

The experience would also be valuable, he pointed out, and promised to raise the team’s maturity and physical aspects.

The match was a fiercely contested affair, with seven yellow cards shown by Japanese referee Takasaki Koji, three to Malaysia and four to Indonesia.

The draw means that Indonesia tops Group A with seven points, followed by the Philippines (six points), Malaysia (four points) and Brunei last without a single point.

-- BERNAMA