After losing 1-2, Indonesia has no option but to avenge its defeat in the next match against Kuwait on Wednesday, in order to cling to the slim chance of qualifying for the 2011 Asian Cup.
"We must win this match to maintain our opportunity to advance," the Indonesian team's head coach Benny Dolo told a media conference on Tuesday.
"A draw will not be any good either."
He said it would be a make-or-break match.
A win would provide a lifeline to the hosts, who still have two more matches against Oman in January and Australia in March next year.
Indonesia's qualifying hopes for the fifth consecutive time in the Asian Cup look in danger with the team currently ranked at the bottom of the five-team Group B after collecting two draws and a defeat.
They drew with Oman and Australia.
Kuwait has amassed six points, thanks to its shock win over Australia in Canberra. It lost 0-1 to Oman before bouncing back with a win over Indonesia.
The Kuwait match might give Indonesian players something to analyze retrospectively as they previously failed to hold onto the lead, allowing Kuwait to fight back with two goals.
However, the prospects for Wednesday's match do not look good for the hosts with key players, defender Isnan Ali, and midfielders Boaz Salossa and Firman Utina still struggling with injuries.
"We will examine Boaz and Firman to see whether they are fit enough for tomorrow's match. If they are both fit, they'll play," said Benny.
Forward Budi Sudarsono, dubbed the Piton Snake for his knack to strike goals in difficult situations, has been called in to strengthen the team's frontline.
"We will definitely play more aggressively," said Benny.
The visiting team has been training on the playing field at the Bung Karno sport complex since Monday.
The team appears to be unscathed, apart from forward Bader Almotawaa, who is still recovering from a minor problem with his left hamstring, and defender Walied Jumah who is suffering from a thigh injury.
However, Kuwaiti head coach Goran Tufegdzic was optimistic that all of his players would be ready for the match.
"We will try to take three points," said Goran, adding the Kuwait team would apply the same strategy they did during the home match.
"Our coach wants us to play normal, in the same system, 4-4-2," added team captain Shab Canculi.
Serbian Goran refused to be overwhelmed by the prospect of noisy home supporters saying, "A full stadium can provide motivation for our team."
Head of the organizing committee Djoko Driyono said they had earmarked 45,000 tickets with prices ranging from Rp 20,000 to Rp 100,000.
The home players can expect raucous behavior from Jakmania - a group of avid Persija Jakarta supporters - who have booked some 10,000 tickets.
RCTI will broadcast the match live at 6:30 p.m..
Fixtures
Wednesday
Hong Kong v Japan
Bahrain v Yemen
Indonesia v Kuwait
Malaysia v Uzbekistan
Syria v Vietnam
Thailand v Singapore
Sunday
China v Lebanon
Jordan v Iran
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