TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Goalkeeper Muhammad Ardiansyah becomes one of the key factors for the success of the Indonesian U-23 national team advancing to the final round of the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup. He blocked one of the shots by a Thailand player during a penalty shootout at the Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Indonesia advanced to the U-23 Cup finals after a 7-6 victory during the penalty shootout.
Muhammad Ardiansyah hopes there won't be another penalty shootout during the U-23 Cup final against Vietnam.
Indonesia, he says, must secure a victory within regular time, as penalty shootouts will lessen the chance of the Young Garuda emerging as the victor.
"It's a fifty-fifty chance of winning if we have to play until a penalty shootout. We have to play for 90 minutes to secure a win," he said after the match.
Ardiansyah was confident during the penalty shootout with Thailand. He successfully repelled Yotsakon Burapha's shot. Thailand's first executor, Pichitchai Sienkrathok, also failed to score a goal, as his shot hit the Indonesian goalpost.
"During the penalty kicks, I was very confident. I had to really stop the shots from the Thailand players," Ardiansyah said.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the goalkeeping coach who trusted me to enter the field. He has helped me a lot, especially by giving instructions on the direction of the penalty shots. He guided me on which way I should jump."
He also expressed his gratitude to the supporters who were present at the stadium. "Perhaps our victory was destined because of them. Thank you to the Garuda supporters who were present and prayed for us," Ardiansyah said.
Indonesia will play against Vietnam on Tuesday, July 29, at 8:00 p.m. local time at the GBK Main Stadium. This will be their second consecutive encounter in the AFF U-23 Cup finals.
Antara contributed to the writing of this article.
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