Before the final match of the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 tournament taking place at 8:00 p.m. tonight (July 29) at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (Jakarta), the leaders of the Indonesian U23 team asked the players to maintain a sportsmanship and avoid causing injury to the opponent.
Ahmed Zaki Iskandar affirmed: "Of course we must uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. Playing with a snake does not mean injuring the opponent".
According to Mr. Zaki, this is the direction from President of the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) Erick Thohir, who especially emphasized that U23 Indonesia is not allowed to lose, but is not allowed to play too fiercely, affecting the opponent's players.
"In my observation, the playing style of U23 Vietnam is very fast and bustling. President Erick Thohir emphasized that we must not lose. U23 Indonesia cannot lose in terms of speed and strength against U23 Vietnam.
However, that does not mean causing injury to the opponent. We have to promote the spirit of sportsmanship," added Ahmed Zaki Iskandar.
Tonight's match will be the first time this year's tournament has applied VAR technology, forcing both teams to play more cautiously to avoid fouls that could lead to red cards or penalties.
The confrontations between Vietnam and Indonesia at all levels are always tense. With home advantage and enthusiastic cheers from the audience, U23 Indonesia is expected to create an attractive game, but the team's coaching staff still wants to ensure the spirit of fair-play is a top priority.
Previously, Mr. Erick Thohir also posted on social media a advice: "We are the homeowner so we need to be brave and determined, but not to cause injury".
