Indonesia Vs Singapore Leg 2, Lion Country Coach Is Wary Of The Presence Of Egy Maulana Vikri In The Garuda Squad

A Maulana Vikri. (Photo: Instagram @egymaulanavikri)

JAKARTA - Singapore national team coach Tatsuma Yoshida is wary of the presence of attacking midfielder Egy Maulana Vikri in the Indonesian national team, which could make it possible for him to be fielded in the 2020 AFF Cup semifinal second leg match at the National Stadium, Singapore, Saturday 25 December night.

"We will anticipate player number 10 (Egy-red). I heard he will start playing. Indonesia does have good players," Yoshida said in a virtual press conference before the match, quoted from Antara, Saturday, December 25.

Egy, who just arrived in Singapore on December 21, 2021, has already undergone full training with the "Garuda" squad. There is no certainty whether the player from Slovak League club, FK Senica will play or not against Singapore, but he has the potential to be fielded either as a first eleven or as a substitute.

Egy's presence will add to the firepower of the Indonesian national team which, until Friday 24 December, had scored 14 goals against their opponents in the 2020 AFF Cup and temporarily made them the most fertile team in the tournament with 14 goals.

However, it wasn't only Egy that had Yoshida's attention. There are several players that he considers to be prominent from Indonesia, namely Witan Sulaeman, Ramai Rumakiek, Ezra Walian, Pratama Arhan, Elkan Baggott, and Ricky Kambuaya.

"I think many Indonesian players are dangerous," said Yoshida.

With the individual and team qualities that Indonesia has, the Japanese tactician also echoed the importance of winning for Singapore.

"It means we can show what we have, what we can. I want to show the real ability of these players," said Yoshida.

Tatsuma Yoshida also hopes that victory comes for his squad in normal time and not via penalty shootouts.

The knockout phase of the AFF Cup 2020 does not recognize the advantage of away goals. Therefore, if the second leg is completed again with a draw, the semifinal match will continue to 2x15 minute extra rounds and a penalty shoot-out if necessary.

"I haven't thought about a penalty shoot-out. However, I hope the team can win in 90 minutes. But of course, there are opportunities for extra time and penalties," said Yoshida.