PSSI Confirms Timor Leste To Be The Strongest Candidate Against Indonesia On FIFA Matchday

The Indonesian National Team after quarantine at the Sultan Hotel (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA – PSSI confirmed Timor Leste to be the strongest candidate to face the Indonesian national team in the international break at the end of this month.

The international break that is on the FIFA agenda is scheduled for the period from January 24 to February 2, 2022. Meanwhile, Indonesia is scheduled to play two FIFA Matchday matches on January 24-27.

"Most likely Timor Leste. Because it is quite difficult to find a friendly match now. Because the rules of other countries are different from ours," said PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan at the Kimaya Hotel, Jakarta, on Sunday, January 16.

Indonesia was previously scheduled to face Bangladesh in the two test matches. Bangladesh itself has agreed to the agenda.

However, the majority of Bangladeshi players who have not been vaccinated prevent this match from being held. Because, to be able to enter Indonesia, foreign nationals must have received two doses of the vaccine.

PSSI immediately moved quickly to find a replacement for Bangladesh. The parent of Indonesian football immediately established communication with Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste.

However, so far only Timor Leste has given certainty to conduct trials with Indonesia.

"We are still waiting for Brunei. Timor-Leste responds well. We have a pretty good relationship. Actually, Bangladesh wants it, but first, because the vaccine is new and doesn't want to be quarantined. So we are having a bit of trouble," said the man who is familiarly called Iwan Bule.

The plan is that the Indonesian national team will field the majority of U-23 players in the international trials later. The reason is this is a moment that can be used as preparation for the AFF U-23 Cup in Cambodia next month.

Until now, the Indonesian national team has not made preparations for the training camp. Coach Shin Tae-Yong himself is already in Bali.