DRAGONSLOT – Kesit B. Handoyo’s Analysis of Indonesia’s Performance in AFF Cup 2024: A Work in Progress
Football expert Kesit B. Handoyo shared his thoughts on Indonesia’s performance following their 1-0 victory over Myanmar in the AFF Cup 2024. The match, held on December 9, 2024, at Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, saw a crucial own goal from Myanmar’s Zin Nyi Nyi Aung in the 76th minute, securing the win for the Garuda team.
Kesit acknowledged that while Indonesia’s play wasn’t entirely fluid, it was understandable given the mix of new and young players. “The team hasn’t fully gelled yet, which is to be expected with players who have only recently come together,” said Kesit. He pointed out that although some players had experience playing together, such as Asnawi Mangkualam, Pratama Arhan, Rafael Struik, and Marselino Ferdinan, many others were still getting familiar with each other, especially the younger players like Muhammad Ferarri.
A Need for Time and Adaptation
Kesit explained that while some players have been part of the national team setup, many of them are still adapting to the senior level, which was evident in their performance. “It will take time for players like Ferarri to fully integrate with the others. There’s still a bit of stage fright, which led to a lack of cohesion on the field,” he added.
Despite the win, Kesit observed that Indonesia’s game wasn’t as smooth as it could have been. “The teamwork between the lines wasn’t there, and they struggled against Myanmar, who fielded more experienced players,” he noted.
Kesit explained that while some players have been part of the national team setup, many of them are still adapting to the senior level, which was evident in their performance. “It will take time for players like Ferarri to fully integrate with the others. There’s still a bit of stage fright, which led to a lack of cohesion on the field,” he added.
Positive Yet Room for Improvement
Kesit also highlighted the differences between the first and second halves. “In the first half, the team wasn’t performing as well, but after some substitutions in the second half, they became more daring and started applying more pressure,” he said. However, he pointed out that there were still issues like impatience, a lack of calmness, and poor finishing.
He emphasized that these issues were expected in the first match, especially considering Indonesia was up against Myanmar’s senior players. “On paper, Indonesia could have beaten Myanmar, but they faced senior players, and the team was young. So, the win was a positive result,” Kesit concluded. He believes that the victory provides a strong foundation for Indonesia as they prepare for their next challenge against Laos.