For The Sake Of Ranking FIFA, The Indonesian National Team Squad Did Not Fast On Match Day Against Burundi

Indonesian national team player, Asnawi Mangkualam. (Photo: Twitter/@PSSI)

JAKARTA - Indonesian national team defender Asnawi Mangkualam said he and his colleagues would likely not fast on Saturday, March 25. This is to maintain conditions against Burundi on FIFA Matchday.

The Jeonnam Dragons player explained that the match against the African team was very important. The reason is, if you win, the results can increase the position of the Indonesian national team in the FIFA rankings.

"The match against Burundi is very important, of course, because we know this is a match to increase the FIFA ranking," Asnawi said in a press conference ahead of Burundi at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta on March 24.

"We have to win and of course the new players are in good condition," he said.

Asnawi then said that he and his colleagues would likely not fast so that their condition would be excellent during the match. The Garuda squad feels the need to maintain fitness in order to perform optimally.

"Maybe on match day we don't fast, because it is very important to keep our bodies in order to give the maximum match," said the former PSM Makassar player.

"To be optimal, of course, the body also needs a lot of energy in tomorrow's match," he continued.

Previously, the Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, hoped that his team would not fast ahead of the match against Burundi. The reason is that he wants his team to go down with maximum strength in the match.

The South Korean coach wants players who do not fast on match day to replace the service on another day.

"Fasting is a bit difficult for me, because the players have to eat at a timely time. If you don't eat but have to practice, it's a bit difficult for the players," said Shin some time ago.

Currently, the Indonesian national team is in the 151st position ranked by FIFA. If they succeed in winning the match against Burundi, there is a possibility that Asnawi et al will break through the world's top 140 rankings.