TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Alfharezzi Buffon, Indonesian U-23 national team player, gets candid about the squad's preparation ahead of the match against Thailand in the semifinals of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup. The team's preparation is solid, he says, especially mental-wise
"We know Thailand is a strong team with a good playing style," he says, in a press conference at the GBK Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Thursday, 24 July 2025.
The player also boasts of Indonesia's success in keeping a "clean sheet" during the three previous matches in the group stage of the AFF U-23 Cup. Under the coaching of Gerald Vanenburg, the team achieved an 8-0 victory against Brunei Darussalam, a narrow 1-0 win against the Philippines, and a goalless draw against Malaysia.
Alfharezzi attributes the success not only to the team's good play, but also to the players' hard work to dominate the matches. Alfharezzi ensures that the players have put in a lot of effort, as "all the opponents were tough."
According to him, Garuda Squad's players—whether the defenders, midfielders, or forwards—have evenly distributed quality, which makes for a solid offense and defense throughout the games. "That's why we can keep a clean sheet. It's not because there were no good opponents in the group," he says.
Alfharezzi concedes that the teams they faced during the U-23 Cup group stages and the teams advancing to the semifinals are strong. The groups are playing at a good and equal level. "Maybe (because) we are united and have quality players, we did not give up any goals," he said.
The Indonesia U-23 national team under Gerald Vanenburg will face Thailand in the semifinals of the AFF U-23 Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 08:00 p.m. Jakarta time.
Thailand, under the guidance of Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul, is touted as one of the top contenders to win the championship.
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