TIMNAS Indonesia U-23 forced to withdraw from 2022 AFF U-23 Cup due to the Covid-19 storm. That made the U-23 Indonesian National Team unable to defend the title they got in the 2019 edition.
Even so, there is a lesson from this bad incident. Here are five advantages of the U-23 Indonesian National Team after withdrawing from the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup:
5. Minimizing the Risk of Further Spread of Covid-19 in the Indonesian National Team Squad
As is known, some time ago, seven Indonesian U-23 national team players were confirmed positive for Covid 19. They are Ronaldo Kwateh, Muhammad Ferrari, Braif Fatari, Taufik Hidayat, Irfan Jauhari, Ahmad Figo Ramadhani, and Cahya Supriyadi.
Apart from them, there are four other players, namely Alfeandra Dewangga, Genta Alparedo, Muhammad Kanu Helmiawan, and Marcelino Ferdinand, who are still waiting for the incubation period. Because, they are in the same room with players who are positive for Covid-19. Then, there was also one team official who tested positive for Covid-19.
If you are forced to participate in the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup, the risk of increasing the number of positive cases in the Indonesian national team squad is even greater. Therefore, withdrawing from this tournament was considered the best decision in such a bad situation.
4. Players who were exposed to Covid-19 can focus on recovering
The absence from the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup also benefits the players who are confirmed positive. Because, they can focus on recovering without pressure to get well soon for the sake of competing.
However, the health and safety of the members of the Garuda Nusantara squad was more important at that time. Although difficult, the decision to withdraw must be taken by PSSI.
3. Injured Players Can Focus on Recovery
In addition to the Covid-19 case, the U-23 Indonesian National Team also lost three players due to injuries. They are Gunansar Mandowen, Ramai Rumakiek, and Muhammad Iqbal.
After withdrawing from the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup, the three players can focus on recovering. So, their energy can be maximized by their respective clubs in Liga 1 2021-2022.
2. League 1 Clubs Re-Strengthened by Their respective Best Young Players
The absence of the U-23 Indonesian National Team from the 2022 AFF U-23 Cup indirectly also benefits League 1 clubs. Because these clubs can get their best young players back.
With the competition taking place on a very tight schedule and getting heated towards the end, every club needs all the players in the squad to reap positive results in the game. Therefore, the energy of young players is needed in this phase.
1. Shin Tae-yong can focus on 2023 Asian Cup qualification
Absence from the U-23 AFF Cup allowed Shin Tae-yong to focus on the third round of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. The Indonesian national team joined pot 3 in this phase.
For your information, the draw for the third round of the 2023 Asian Cup qualification will be held on 24 February. Later, the 24 teams in the third round of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers will be divided into six groups, each group containing four teams.
Later, there will be 11 teams that will automatically qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup finals. They are the group winners and the best five runners-up. With tight competition to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup finals, Shin Tae-yong can focus on formulating strategies for the Indonesian national team from now on. Please note, the third round of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers will take place on 8-14 June.
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