JAKARTA (March 29, 2002) – Indonesian Under-20 coach, Bambang Nurdiansyah, criticized his players for their indifferent attitude following their 1-1 draw against first division Perserang at the Bung Karno Stadium on Wednesday.

The coach is particularly concerned as the team will be competing in the Asian Cup Under-20 tournament. Indonesia have been drawn in the same group as Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

“I can’t say much about the match against Perserang. But they seemed to lack spirit. They lost their concentration,” Bambang said in the Jakarta Post.

Despite the team’s situation, Bambang, who took over the reins of the team from German Bernhard Schumm, will not panic. 

“They performed that way probably as they feared injury or felt there was nothing to prove as they were already assured of places in the national team. 

He said the players should have played hard even if it was a friendly game.

Bambang said that two players, goalkeeper Ariek Sulistyo and Rully Soputan, had been dropped. 

Indonesia will play Hong Kong in the opening match on April 2 before taking on Thailand two days later. The match against the Philippines will be their final match.

One team from each group will qualify for the final round in Dubai next year.