I

ndonesian soccer squad hopes to calm its jitters during its Group A opening qualifier against Cambodia at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday.

“The first match is not always easy. What is important is that I want them to be able to enjoy their game tomorrow. I hope they can play loose,” Indonesian U-23 squad head coach Rahmad Darmawan said after a final practice session on Sunday.

“Overall, our team is ready to fight the battle. All players are able to play, including Mahardirga Lasut, who is recuperating from his injury. Psychologically, I’ve observed that they are all in a good mood,” Rahmad said.

Indonesia’s senior soccer team is currently ranked 140th by FIFA and 21st in Asia, while Cambodia is 176th in the world and 37th in Asia. Despite the statistical advantage, Rahmad hoped the host team would remain cautious.

“Cambodia’s style of play is similar to Myanmar and Laos, both of whom are very disciplined, compact and highly spirited. Our players should be aware of this so that we can play more efficiently,” Rahmad said.

He cited the remarkable fighting spirit displayed by the Myanmar team as they forced Vietnam to a 0-0 draw in Saturday’s battle in the other group.

Cambodia team assistant coach Meas Channa said that the team had been gearing up for the past two months.

“We lost 1-2 to Thailand, won 2-0 over Laos 2-0, drew 0-0 to Nigeria, won over three local teams, and drew 0-0 to Nepal. My players are much improved after those games,” Channa said.

“The Indonesian team is a strong team and tomorrow will be very difficult for us. Our strategy is to play defense and counter attack. We came here not to draw or lose. We want to try our best to win,” Channa said.

Indonesia’s match against Cambodia will kick off at 7 p.m. on Monday, after a 4 p.m. match between defending champions Malaysia and 2009 Laos SEA Games bronze medalist Singapore.

Both Malaysia and Singapore were confident of snatching their first points at their opener.

Separately, the Thai team, which has also been rated a tough squad to beat in Group A, is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Sunday evening.

Thailand, ranked 114th in FIFA standings and second to Australia in the 2014 World Cup Asian group qualifier standings, will join the SEA Games group qualifier without four key players.

“Our preparations have only been one month. We also have four key players playing for the [upcoming] World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Australia, thus they won’t play here. One of them, defender Bunmathan will only come on Nov. 16, if we manage to reach semifinals,” Thailand team assistant manager Vorawit Sampachanya said on Sunday.

The other three key players who will be absent from the SEA Games are goalie Thamsatchanan Kawin, midfielder Kaewprom Jakkaphan and forward Dangda Teerasil.