Unable To Get Persija And PSM Permits, U-23 National Team To The AFF Cup Without Rizky Ridho And Dzaky Asraf

Indonesian national team for the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup. (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team will appear in the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup in Thailand without the strengthening of Rizky Ridho and Dzaky Asraf. This is as stated by the Chairman of the National Team Agency (BTN), Sumardji.

The U-23 national team squad actually left for Rayong, Thailand on Monday, August 14 morning WIB. Unfortunately, Rizky Ridho and Dzaky Asraf were not seen in the group.

The two names did not join the team because they did not get permission from their respective clubs. Rizky Ridho was not released by Persija coach, Thomas Doll.

Meanwhile, Dzaky Asraf was not released by Bernardo Tavares, the coach of PSM Makassar.

"So for Rizky Ridho not joining, it was not released by Thomas Doll. And also Dzaky Asraf did not join because Tavares was not released. But we all took lessons from it all," said Sumardji in a statement received Monday, August 14.

Instead, PSSI has appointed a replacement. The players are Persis Solo players, Muhammad Kanu and PSIS Semarang player, Haykal Al Hafiz.

"Rizky Ridho was replaced by Kanu from Persis. Thank you very much Persis sent three players. And for Dzaky, Haykal will replace him who will leave later along with Mr. Endri (Erawan)," he said.

Sumardji actually admitted that he was disappointed with the club's decision to let his players defend the national team, but he no longer wanted polemics. According to Sumardji, coach Shin Tae-yong, did not question this. He said that at this time everyone only needed to focus on looking at the championship with the existing squad.

"I, as the chairman of BTN, am certainly very disappointed, but I return everything to the coaches of each team because they are great people in football," said Sumardji.

The 2023 AFF U-23 Cup will take place in Rayong, Thailand on August 17-26. Indonesia will premiere on Friday, August 18 against Malaysia.

List of 23 Indonesian players for the 2023 AFF U-23 Cup:

1. Amiruddin Bagas, Barito Putera2. Haykal Alhafiz, PSIS3. Arkhan Fikri, Arema FC4. Kadek Arel, Bali United5. Muhammad Ragil, Bhayangkara Presisi FC6. Komang Teguh, Borneo FC7. Jeam Kelly, Persik8. Titan Agung, Bhayangkara Presisi FC9. Daffa Fasya, Borneo FC10. Salim Akbar, Madura United11. Ernando Ari, Persebaya12. Beckham Putra, Persib13. Robi Darwis, Persib14. Frengky Missa, Persikabo15. Muhammad Ferari, Persija16. Mohammad Kanu, Persis17. Rifky Dwi, Persita18. Nuri Agus, Bekasi FC19. Irfan Jauhari, Persis20. Muhammad Ramadhan, Persis21. Abdul Rahman, Rans Nusantara22. Esal Sahrul, Persita23. Alfeandra Dewangga, PSIS