JAKARTA - Indonesia U-23 national team coach Shin Tae-yong said that right-backs Asnawi Mangkualam and Elkan Baggott will soon join their teammates at the 2021 SEA Games, Vietnam.
"If they come, our team will certainly become stronger," said Shin, quoted from Antara after the national team was defeated by Vietnam 3-0 in Friday's opening match.
According to the South Korean tactician, Asnawi will leave for Vietnam after his club, Ansan Greeners, completes the South Korean League 2 match against FC Anyang on Saturday.
However, Shin cannot yet decide when Elkan, who plays for Ipswich Town in England, will fly from his homeland.
"As soon as his club finishes the last game, he comes right away," said the 51-year-old.
If according to Shin's plan, Asnawi Mangkualam can defend the Indonesian U-23 national team in their second match in Group A of the 2021 SEA Games men's soccer match against Timor Leste, Tuesday, May 10.
In the first match at Viet Tri Stadium, Phu Tho, Vietnam, Indonesia lost 0-3 to Vietnam. The absence of Asnawi Mangkualam on the right side of the Indonesian defense was felt in that match.
Asnawi's position, filled by debutant Ilham Rio Fahmi, is often exploited by Vietnamese players who have good technique and speed.
The defeat to Vietnam left Indonesia in fourth place in the Group A standings, above the bottom team Timor Leste, which was defeated by the Philippines 0-4 in the previous match.
The third position is occupied by Myanmar, which has not yet competed, then Vietnam fills the second ladder with three points. The top of the standings is occupied by the Philippines, which is ahead on goal difference from Vietnam.
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