COVID-19 Test Results Haven't Come Out, PSSI Chairman Ensures U-23 National Team Still Departs To Cambodia

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan ensured that the U-23 Indonesian national team would still fly to the AFF Cup in Cambodia. If there are players and coaches who test positive for COVID-19, it will not affect the team's departure.

The Indonesian U-23 national team is scheduled to fly to Phnom Penh on Friday, February 11 tomorrow. Garuda troops will use charter planes on the way there.

However, the results of the Garuda squad's polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test have not yet been released. For this reason, there is a possibility that the coach or player may be positive, but the result will not affect the schedule for the Indonesian national team.

"Tomorrow's test results, including the coach. For example, later the coach is positive but we will leave because there is an assistant. I don't think that will be an obstacle. We are waiting for the PCR results," said Iriawan at a press conference.

When as many as 28 players are included in the list of players who are ready to go. However, that number could be reduced depending on the test results that will come out tomorrow.

"Hopefully 20 players are okay. So, even though there will be a squad of 24, there are still four remaining, 20 can still play," said the man who is usually called Iwan Bule.

Indonesia itself came with the target of bringing home the title, especially the national team squad came with the status of defending champion. However, the target is considered not in accordance with the preparation of the Indonesian national team.

Iriawan said that hopefully, the complete squad can go there to realize that target. He ensured that the Indonesian national team would still be tasked with defending the title.

"We'll see progress. Hopefully, all the players are in a good situation, including the coach as well," he said.

At the AFF U-23 which will take place from February 14-28, the Garuda Muda squad is in Group B with Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

Alfeandra Dewangga and friends will face Laos in the first match on February 15. Then meet Myanmar, February 18, and finally meet arch-enemy, Malaysia, on February 21.