**Indra Sjafri Drops Five Players, U20 Indonesia National Team Roster Ahead of Asia Cup**
In preparation for the upcoming U20 Asia Cup 2025 tournament, the Indonesia U20 national team will be comprised of 23 players. Currently, under the leadership of coach Indra Sjafri, the team consists of 28 players in the final training camp phase. These 28 players will also be participating in friendly matches against Jordan, Syria, and India as part of their preparation for the Asia Cup U20 2025.
**Final Training Camp and Friendly Matches**
The final training camp sessions and friendly matches will take place at the Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo from January 24th to January 30th, 2025. Following this, the U20 Asia Cup matches are scheduled to be held from February 12th to March 1st in Shenzen, China. It is crucial for the team to fine-tune their skills and strategies during these training sessions and friendly matches to ensure they are well-prepared for the upcoming tournament.
**Reduction in Squad Size**
It is important to note that the initial squad called up by coach Indra Sjafri consisted of 34 players during the early training camp in Jakarta. However, the squad has since been reduced to 28 players for the final phase of training and the upcoming matches. This reduction in squad size highlights the intense competition and selection process within the national team as they strive for excellence and success in the Asia Cup.
**Notable Player Cuts**
One of the most notable cuts from the squad is Mathew Baker, a player of Australian descent. Baker will miss out on the U20 Asia Cup due to club clearance issues with Melbourne City FC. The club expressed concerns about releasing a key player like Baker for national team duties across multiple age categories (U17 & U20). As a result, coach Indra Sjafri has reassigned Mathew Baker to the U17 team, aligning with his age category. Despite this setback, Baker still has the potential to showcase his skills in the upcoming U17 Asia Cup in April 2025.
**Additional Player Cuts**
In addition to Mathew Baker, other players who have been cut from the squad at this stage include Aditya Ramadhan (PSMS), Alexandro Felix K. (Barito Putera), Ferre Murari (Bhayangkara), Figo Dennis (PSIM), Camara Ousmane M. (PSIM), and Timothy Baker (Boroodara Eagles FC). These player cuts demonstrate the tough decisions that coaches have to make in selecting the final squad for a major tournament like the U20 Asia Cup.
As a football enthusiast myself, I understand the dedication and passion that these players and coaches pour into their craft. The journey to represent your country on the international stage is a dream shared by many young athletes, and the competition within the national team reflects the high stakes and level of commitment required to succeed in the world of football. What lessons can we draw from the resilience and determination of these young players as they navigate the highs and lows of pursuing their football dreams?
