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View all search resultsIndonesia faces a daunting task against high-flying Singapore in their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup Group B match on Wednesday, with the former only having one goalkeeper
ndonesia faces a daunting task against high-flying Singapore in their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup Group B match on Wednesday, with the former only having one goalkeeper.
Number one goalkeeper Endra Prasetya is suspended from the game, which will take place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, after he was red-carded in Indonesia’s 2-2 draw against Laos in the opening match on Sunday.
Three-time winner Singapore sent an alarming message to the opponents by trouncing the host and reigning champion Malaysia 3-0 on Sunday.
To add to its woes, the Red-and-White squad is coming into this season’s biennial soccer tournament in the region only with two goalies.
However, the players are aware that only a win will give them a chance to get their hands on the elusive silverware. Thailand hosts Group A, which also consists the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar.
The top two teams in each group will advance to the semifinals played over two legs. Two-legged matches will also decide the winner in the finals.
Endra’s suspension leaves Indonesian coach Nil Maizar with only Wahyu Tri Nugroho as an option.
The team included another goalie, Syamsidar, during the preparation workout for the tournament, but his new club Mitra Kukar, East Kalimantan, refused to let him participate in the Cup following the signing of his new contract.
The team was forced to draw an emergency plan in case Wahyu failed to continue playing.
“I need to consult the goalie coach first. I cannot make the decision on my own,” Nil Maizar said on Tuesday, as quoted by Antara news agency at the Palace of Golden Horses Hotel.
Wahyu is expected to be able to survive the 90-minute upcoming match, and any injuries to him would likely be a nightmare for the team.
“One thing for sure, ahead of the match, we have prepared our team well. You should wait until tomorrow morning [on Wednesday] as to who will be deployed,” said the former coach of the Semen Padang soccer team in West Sumatra.
Two stand-in goalkeepers are reportedly prepared in case something happens to Wahyu. They are defenders Corneles Sergius Geddi and Fachruddin.
“Yes, there are three players being prepared [for the goalkeeper position]. Let the coaches decide,” national team manager Habil Marati said.
Team captain Bambang Pamungkas said as quoted in the AFF Cup’s official website, www.affsuzukicup.com, that the team would fight to the end at any cost.
“Now, we have to play with only one goalkeeper … Our challenge against Singapore and Malaysia will be different, but whatever it takes, we will try our best,” he said.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic will be looking for a second win to book their place in the semifinals.
“I have looked at the Indonesia squad list and they have some older players who have experience playing in this tournament. They have some players who were not originally from Indonesia, but they can bring extra quality to the team and they have some young players as well,” said the Serbian.
Group A continued its play on Tuesday, with the Philippines taking the scalp of Vietnam 1-0.
The victory moved The Azkals to second place behind Thailand.
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