VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (voinews): Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali suggested strong countries, such as Argentina and Portugal, to take part in the U-20 international mini tournament in which the Indonesian U-20 national team will participate.

"We invite strong national teams that (will provide a good atmosphere for the Indonesian) U-20 national team," the minister stated at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, here, Thursday.

Amali stated that Argentina and Portugal can be invited to participate in the competition planned to be held on February 17, 19, and 22, 2023, since their U-20 national teams have not qualified for the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

The minister deemed that their participation in the mini tournament will be good for Indonesia's preparation in the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup scheduled in Uzbekistan on March 1-18, 2023.

"We expect that with strong opponents, the performance of our national team will improve," he remarked.

In response to the minister's idea, Indonesian Football Association's (PSSI's) Technical Director, Indra Sjafri, noted that the possibility to invite Argentina and Portugal to the mini tournament was still open.

What is clear, however, is that until Thursday, Fiji, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic are the only three countries participating in the tournament apart from Indonesia.

These three countries, like Indonesia, have qualified for the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

"For Fiji, they will come on February 16, 2023. However, for the match location in Indonesia, I do not know," he remarked.

He said the Indonesian U-20 national team coach Shin expects all or 30 players to have arrived in Jakarta when the mini tournament is held. (antaranews)