Shin guides Indonesia to historic AFC U23 success, qualifies for knockout stage
DOHA: Shin Tae-yong has etched his name further in Indonesian football history as he led the national team to their first-ever AFC U23 Asian Cup™ victory, followed by a remarkable qualification for the knockout stage of Qatar 2024. The journey reached its pinnacle on Sunday with a commanding 4-1 triumph against Jordan, securing a quarter-final berth in emphatic fashion.
Despite a draw being sufficient for progression from Group A, the Indonesian squad delivered a thrilling performance at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, leaving no room for doubt about their capabilities.
The road to this achievement was not without hurdles, as the team experienced an opening-day defeat against Qatar. However, they rebounded fiercely, clinching a historic win against Australia in their second match. Coach Shin Tae-yong commended his players for their resilience and character, emphasizing the importance of moving past setbacks and reclaiming confidence.
On the opposite side, Jordan’s head coach, Abdallah Abu Zema, reflected on his team’s elimination with a sense of reservation. Despite creating numerous opportunities throughout the tournament, Jordan’s campaign ended with just one point and two goals scored. Abu Zema acknowledged the team’s failure to capitalize on early chances and took responsibility for their premature exit from the competition.
