September 4, 2025 | 09:30 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Laos U-23 National Team coach Ha Hyeok-jun assessed the strength of the Indonesian U-23 National Team, coached by Gerald Vanenburg, has declined compared to the era of Shin Tae-yong, who previously led Garuda Muda to make history in the Asian Cup U-23 2024 in Qatar.
Hyeok-jun stated this after guiding his team to secure one point from a goalless draw against the host Indonesia in the first match of the Asian Cup U-23 2026 Qualifiers Group J at Gelora Delta Stadium Sidoarjo on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
"I also feel that the Indonesian team under Coach Shin Tae-yong was a stronger squad. However, at present, I feel that they may be in a transition period. They are not as strong as before," Hyeok-jun said in a press conference after the match.
This is the second draw obtained by Hyeok-jun when meeting Indonesia. Previously, the 55-year-old coach secured his first draw when handling the senior Laos team with a 3-3 score in the ASEAN Championship 2024 (AFF Cup 2024), at that time when the Garuda team was coached by Shin.
"We must give applause and congratulations to the players. They have worked hard to achieve this. Earning one point against Indonesia in Surabaya," Hyeok-jun said.
This one point is very meaningful for Laos, which has never played in the six previous final rounds of the Asian Cup U-23, which have been played since 2013 in Oman.
When asked whether Laos could be one of the 11 group champions and four best runners-up who qualify for the Asian Cup U-23 2026 in Saudi Arabia next January, Hyeok-jun said it was not an easy journey.
"We will target it, but it's not easy. We work hard to build this team because we have a group of good players. Looking forward to next year and the following years. If these kids can stay fit and play in the league, we feel that in a few years, we can create something special with the Laos national team," he said.
Meanwhile, Laos U-23 goalkeeper Kop Lokphathip, who made five saves in this match, is proud of his team's hard work.
"I wouldn't be here without my players. My friends on the field have fought hard to achieve this. In addition, everyone on the team has worked hard. Although we didn't win, this point is a deserved result against Indonesia on their home turf," Lokphathip said.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia U-23 Held to 0-0 Draw by Laos in 2026 Asian Cup Qualifier
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