Indonesia’s Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo (wearing red) converses with the Indonesian National Football Team (Timnas) when releasing the departure of the 2020 AFF Cup Indonesian team in a hotel in Singapore, Sunday (January 2, 2022). (ANTARA/HO-Indonesian Embassy in Singapore/KT).

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian National Football Team (Timnas) who has completed the 2020 AFF Cup match in Singapore has returned to the country on Sunday with pride, Indonesia's Ambassador to Singapore, Suryopratomo, has said.

According to him, the national football team under the coaching of Shin Tae-Yong could advance until the summit of the biannual tournament.

Suryopratomo also thanked the national team , which consisted of Asnawi Mangkualam and his teammates. at a hotel in Singapore as he bid farewell to the team

"You have shown an extraordinary fight and pride for all of Indonesia. Even though you did not win as a champion, you have united the nation and built hope to a better football achievement," the ambassador said in a press release.

He expected all Timnas players to diligently train and spur themselves to achieve the highest achievements.

"Your journey is still long. Elkan Baggott, Alfeandra Dewangga, Witan Sulaiman, Pratama Arhan, Ramai Rumakiek, and others have six to ten years to gain a higher achievement," he said.

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He also praised Shin Tae-Yong as the Timnas coach in developing better Indonesian football sports.

Shin Tae-Yong's young team formation has made football lovers support the team together.

Meanwhile, Garuda Timnas manager Sumardji expressed his gratitude for the support given by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore helped a lot in procuring equipment for weight training that was needed by the team," Senior Commissioner Sumardji added.

Shin Tae-Yong was grateful for the attention and support to his team. The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore was very helpful for the coaching team to run the training program, according to him.

All the players have returned to the country, except Baggott, a center-back who will fly to London on Sunday night.

In Saturday night's final match (Jan 1), the national team played out a 2-2 (1-0) draw against Thailand and had to settle for being a runner-up. In the last match, Ricky Kambuaya was selected as the best player, and Timnas was awarded the Fair Play Team.

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Translator: Dadan R, Kenzu TEditor: Suharto Copyright © ANTARA 2022