Erick Thohir Slams U-23 Strikers after Malaysia Match

According to Bolasport.com, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir issued both criticism and a challenge to two Indonesia U-23 national team strikers, Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka. His remarks came after the team’s attacking line was deemed to have underperformed in their last two group-stage matches.

The squad coached by Gerald Vanenburg recently played out a goalless draw against Malaysia in their final Group A match of the 2025 ASEAN U-23 Cup, held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta. Although the result was enough to secure a place in the semifinals, the lack of sharpness in the attacking third became a key concern.

“We need to be more clinical up front. I want to see Jens and Hokky respond to this challenge in the semifinal,” said Erick Thohir after the match, as quoted by the same source.

In their previous game against the Philippines, Indonesia managed a narrow 1–0 win — but not through their own players’ efforts. The only goal of the match came from an own goal, caused by a long throw-in from Robi Darwis that put pressure on the Philippine defense.

Thohir’s criticism was not without basis. In the last two matches, Indonesia U-23 has failed to score from open play, a worrying sign ahead of a semifinal expected to be more competitive and demanding in terms of finishing ability.

With public attention focused and a direct challenge from the federation’s top official, the semifinal is shaping up to be a crucial test for Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka — a chance to meet expectations and prove themselves as the sharp spearheads of Garuda Muda on the international stage.