Trial Against Burundi, Indonesian National Team Complex With Riko Simanjuntak And Elkan Baggot

Winger Riko Simanjuntak said that he was like a reborn after being called up to the Indonesian national team squad for two FIFA match day matches against Burundi which will be played on March 25 and 28.

The player from Persija Jakarta last wore a national team uniform in October 2019 when Indonesia lost 1-3 to Vietnam in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone.

"As I said, like being reborn (because) being called, happy (because) being called. Friends are very welcome, coaches are also welcome. Hopefully, they can make the best contribution to the country and follow the strategy of the coach," Riko said as quoted from PSSI's official website.

"I hope the support is because your support is our spirit on the field. Hopefully we can give our best," added the 31-year-old.

The Indonesian national team is currently conducting a training camp in Jakarta for the two FIFA match day matches.

The Indonesian squad is getting more complete after England defender Cheltenham Town Elkan Baggott joined his colleagues on Tuesday (22/3).

He came with a positive feel after performing well in recent matches for Cheltenham. The centre-back scored a goal when Cheltenham faced the Bristol Rovers Development in the Glouchestershire Senior Challenge Cup semifinal match on March 11.

Elkan previously missed the national team in the 2022 AFF Cup. He last defended the Red-White Team on FIFA match day September last year when Indonesia hosted the Central American team Curacao.

"It feels good to come back again. My condition is getting better and happy to be back. Of course winning both matches will strengthen chemistry as a team to get to the Asian Cup," said Elkan as reported by Antara.

The Indonesian opponent, Burundi, has a slightly better FIFA ranking than the Red-White Team, which is in the 141st position in the world. Meanwhile, Indonesia is ten positions adrift, namely in the 151st position in March, but has the opportunity to improve its position in the April ranking list if it is able to beat Burundi in the upcoming match day.