The East Asians, who were crowned champions in 2016 after beating Saudi Arabia on penalties in Bahrain, begin the defence of their continental crown against regional rivals DPR Korea on Friday at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor.

With Thailand and Iraq also competing for honours in Group B, and four places at next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup on offer to the competition’s semi-finalists, Kageyama was understandably quick to strike a cautious note ahead of his side’s opener.

The Continental championship has ended in group stage disappointment for the Young Socceroos in the previous two editions, and Milicic, 44, said his young charges will need to begin positively if they are to succeed in Indonesia.

"We're fully aware that every game will be difficult, and we really have to focus on ourselves and be at our best to get out of this group," the former striker said ahead of the fixture at Bekasi's Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium.

"All three are strong nations. I have a history with Korea Republic and Vietnam as head coach of the Under-23s in China PR in January and they were very strong teams.

"Jordan I also know well from my time with the Socceroos when we lost there in Amman, 0-2, so all three teams are extremely strong opponents."

Despite featuring in 16 previous editions of the competition, Indonesia’s one and only title success came as far back as 1961, and their last appearance four years ago failed to produce a single point.

Nevertheless, with passionate home support expected at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Sjafri believes a place in the last four is now not beyond his young charges.

“We are ready to do our very best and improve on what we did in 2014,” declared the 55-year-old whose side will also lock horns with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Poland-based prodigy backed his teammates to avoid stage fright and secure three points in the Group A encounter, which is expected to be attended by a large and enthusiastic home crowd at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

"We are ready. We want to fight until the end and we want to win," Maulana, 18, told the-AFC.com.

"We must work hard because we see Chinese Taipei as a good team and they have good defenders, but it’s certainly not impossible that we can win because we play at home.

"Obviously I feel a little nervous to play in front of the home crowd, but I'm excited at the same time. We have a target to reach the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and I hope with the support and prayers from our fans we can prove our worth."

As the excitement builds, a total of 16 teams have assembled in the Southeast Asian nation’s capital, with reigning champions Japan looking to retain the title they claimed two years ago in Bahrain thanks to a tense penalty shootout win against Saudi Arabia.

The four highest ranked sides will also qualify for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

Exciting talent will surely emerge in Indonesia 2018 but the five have already started making heads turn and their teams will be counting on them to lead the charge not only for regional glory but also a spot in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Defending champions Japan will have to face Iraq, Thailand and DPR Korea in what promises to be a highly exciting and competitive Group B.