Assistant Coach Talks About Arkhan Fikri's Chance To Appear In The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup Final

JAKARTA - Assistant Coach of the U-23 Indonesian National Team, Frank van Kampen revealed the opportunity for Arkan Fikri to appear in the AFF U-23 Cup final. With an improving situation, Arkhan is expected to be able to contribute to the team.

During the semifinals against Thailand'slpll, last Friday, July 25, Arkhan Fikri was actually already on the line-up. But he hasn't had the chance to appear because he hasn't really recovered from injury.

Reflecting on Arkhan's latest situation, Kampen said the player had a great chance to appear during the final match against Vietnam on Tuesday, July 29 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta.

On the same occasion, Kampen also explained that the Garuda Squad had not been able to use the services of Toni Firmansyah, who was still injured since the group stage.

"For the two players mentioned (Arkhan and Toni), I don't think they can play yet. But we still have three days to get to the final," Frank van Kampen said after the semifinals, quoted on Sunday, July 27.

"I hope one of them can return to play. I hope Arkhan Fikri can perform. For Toni, it doesn't seem like he can. But I hope Arkhan Fikri can," he said.

Arkhan is known to have suffered an injury when Indonesia beat the Philippines 1-0 in the Group A phase. Unfortunately, the injury caused Arkhan to miss the final match of the group phase against Malaysia which ended in a 0-0 draw.

The Arema midfielder has been included in the list of reserve players against Thailand in the semifinals. However, coach Gerald Vanenburg still did not dare to take him down.

Ahead of the final match, Arkhan's vital role in midfield is expected to add to Garuda Muda's creativity which has ambitions to win the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup title at home.