Jakarta. Eleven years ago, Indonesia U-19 coach Indra Sjafri led a team featuring Evan Dimas and others to win the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-19 Championship at Gelora Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo.

Now, history has the potential to repeat itself in the same province, just 39 kilometers away at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya.

The Young Garuda squad will face Thailand in the AFF U-19 Championship final on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Jakarta time, at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya.

Ahead of the AFF U-19 Championship final, Indra is focusing on his players' physical and mental recovery. Training at Thor Field, Surabaya, has been replaced with pool recovery sessions and mental strengthening with the team psychologist. "Our coaching team is focused on player recovery to ensure they are fully ready," he said on Monday.

With optimal preparation, Indra hopes to replicate his past success and lead Indonesia to victory in the AFF U-19 Championship after 11 years.

He aims to stop Thailand, one of the dominant teams in the AFF U-19 Championship, having won the tournament five times, along with Australia.

Indonesia must be cautious of Thailand, also known as the War Elephants, coached by Emerson Pereira Da Silva, due to their strengths. Thailand advanced to the semifinals as the runner-up of Group C and then defeated Australia 1-0 in the semifinal.

One of Thailand's key strengths is their speed, which helped them secure a 2-1 victory over Singapore, a 6-0 win against Brunei, and a 1-1 draw with Malaysia.

Despite finishing second in Group C behind Malaysia, Thailand's capabilities were evident as they surprised by defeating the favored Australian team in the semifinals.

Another strength of Thailand is their strong defense. They played with ten men from the 67th minute in the semifinal after Rapeephat Padthaisong received a red card for a second yellow card offense against Jesse Dean Hoey.

Indonesia also needs to be cautious of several Thai players, particularly Pikawet Laohawiyat and Caeland Ryan, both of whom have scored two goals each in this tournament.

Thailand's mental strength is another asset. The Young War Elephants are expected to remain composed despite playing in front of a full house of Indonesian supporters at Bung Tomo Stadium for the final.

Predicted Lineups:

Indonesia U-19:

• Goalkeeper: Ikram Algiffari
• Defenders: Kadek Arel, Iqbal Gwijangge, Alfharezzi Buffon
• Midfielders: Mufli Hidayat, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Welber Jardim, Kafiatur Rizky
• Forwards: Arlyansyah Abdulmannan, Jens Raven, Riski Afrisal
• Coach: Indra Sjafri

Thailand U-19:

• Goalkeeper: Kittipong Bunmak
• Defenders: Pikanet Laohawiwat, Jhetsaphat Khuantanom, Singha Marasa, Dutsadee Buranajutanon
• Midfielders: Thanakrit Chotmuangpak, Piyawat Petra, Jirapol Saelio, Phongsakon Sangkasopha
• Forwards: Pitipong Wongbut, Caelan Tanadon Ryan
• Coach: Emerson Pereira Da Silva

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