Kushedya Yudo Determined To Bring Indonesian National Team To Win Against Laos: I Want To Score Goals For My Late Father

JAKARTA - Indonesian national team striker Kushedya Yudo is targeting a goal for his late father if he is selected when the "Garuda" squad faces Laos in the 2020 AFF Cup Group B in Singapore.

"If I play in the first minute, I will play optimally, scoring goals for my father in the afterworld," said Yudo, quoted from Antara, Sunday 12 December.

Kushedya's father passed away on Saturday 11 December in Indonesia. The 28-year-old footballer was so devastated to hear the news.

However, Kushedya decided not to return to the country. Apart from the 10-day quarantine rule for foreign arrivals set by the Indonesian government, the Arema FC club player also wants to carry out his duties with the national team.

"I'm really sad, but when I go home I have to quarantine (10 days). On the one hand, I'll finish my work here first. When it's finished, I'll come back," said Yudo.

Yudo also hopes that his family in Indonesia will be strong when shrouded in grief.

"I ask for prayers that my late father will be accepted by God. I hope that my mother and my younger siblings will be strong enough to face this ordeal. Instead of enduring pain, it is better for us to be sincere," he said.

The match between Indonesia and Laos will start at 16.30 western Indonesia time or 17.30 Singapore time. It is important for the "Garuda" squad to win this match in order to maintain hope of qualifying for the 2020 AFF Cup semifinals.

After fighting Laos, Indonesia will meet two strong teams, namely Vietnam on Wednesday 15 December and Malaysia, Sunday 19 December.