Meet Ganjar, 4 U-22 National Team Retainers from Central Java Stories of the Struggle to Win the 2023 Sea Games Gold Medal

SEMARANG, KOMPAS.com– Four U-22 National Football Team players, gold medalists at the 2023 Sea Games Cambodia, visited the house of the Governor of Central Java (Central Java) Ganjar Pranowo. The four U-22 Indonesian national team players are Alfreanda Dewangga Santosa, Ernando Ari Sutaryadi, Amiruddin Bagas Kaffa, and Ilham Rio Fahmi.

Meanwhile, another footballer from Central Java, Pratama Arhan, failed to attend because he is now working in Japan. However, Ganjar had invited him to join the conversation via video call or video call.

The young men from Central Java told many things, from the beginning of starting their careers, the great support of their families, to when they competed in the finals of the Sea Games.

Also read: Keeping Promises, Bagas Kaffa Returns Home to Magelang Bringing 2023 Sea Games Gold, Residents Welcome Festive

Laughter also colors their relationship with Ganjar. They looked relaxed and at ease when they confided in the number one person in Central Java.

“Tonight I had the children who shocked Asean, the world and Indonesia yesterday. Cool kids,” said Ganjar, opening a chat with the four national team players when they met at the Puri Gedeh Official House, Monday (22/5/2023) evening .

They also talked about the moment of the final against the Thai national team which ended with a score of 5-2 for Indonesia’s victory. According to Ilham, the atmosphere of the final was dramatic and tense.

“Emotional, because of the final. Second, because of fighting arch-rivals in Southeast Asia,” said Ilham Rio Fahmi.

The player from Semarang, Dewangga, recounted the atmosphere in the final minutes when the score was still 2-1 for Indonesia. At that time, both players and official assume the referee has blown the game’s long whistle.

“From bench have seen time. It’s been over seven minutes. It was thought that two whistles were still one whistle. In a tense atmosphere. The time for the 2 positions was the same downbut provide mutual support,” said the national team defender.

Ganjar then asked the players who was the first person to be contacted when the winner was confirmed. The four turned out to be compact in responding to their parents, especially mothers.