Shin Tae-yong Reshuffles The Back Line Of The National Team Vs Laos, Elkan Baggott Has A Chance To Appear

Crowded Rumakiek (left) trying to get past two Cambodian national football players (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team Shin Tae-yong will overhaul his squad's back line during the match against Laos in the 2020 AFF Cup Group B match at Bishan Stadium, Singapore, Sunday tomorrow.

"Later there will be changes. We conceded two goals in the previous match (against Cambodia-red) and next time I want the players to be more confident," Shin said in a virtual press conference on Saturday.

When meeting Cambodia, Thursday, December 9, Shin Tae-yong fielded the Primary quartet Arhan, Alfeandra Dewangga, Ryuji Utomo and Asnawi Mangkualam at the back.

From those names, Shin confirmed that Primary Arhan would not compete against Laos due to injury. The injury made Arhan withdrawn in the first half, precisely in the 41st minute, during the match against Cambodia.

As a replacement, Shin is likely to assign Mohammad Edo Febriansyah.

Then, the 1.94-meter-tall centre-back Elkan Baggott also has the potential to re-strengthen the "Garuda" squad.

Elkan was absent when Indonesia met Cambodia because he had just arrived in Singapore. However, recently, the player from the English club, Ipswich Town, has fully trained with the Indonesian national team and stated that he is ready to fight in the 2020 AFF Cup.

"I want to play and win victory after victory to become the champion of the AFF Cup," said Elkan.

The match between Indonesia and Laos will start at 16.30 WIB 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.

The Indonesian national team is currently in second place in the Group B standings with three points, the result of a 4-2 victory over Cambodia.

Malaysia is in first place with six points from two matches. After that, Vietnam was in third place, then Cambodia and Laos.