Indonesia Vs Bangladesh: The First Time National Football Team Game Can Be Attended By Spectators After COVID-19 Pandemic

Indonesian football national team. (Photo: Instagram @pssi)

JAKARTA - Indonesian national team defender Fachruddin Aryanto is enthusiastic about welcoming the test match against Bangladesh. Moreover, this match can be attended by spectators.

The match between Indonesia and Bangladesh in the international trial will take place at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung, on Wednesday, June 1. Kick off the match starts at 20.30 western Indonesia time.

This match marks the first time spectators have been able to attend a stadium in person since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted almost all football matches around the world.

"We are happy that the match can be attended by spectators. That is what we are waiting for," said Fachruddin as quoted from the PSSI website.

Although it can be watched live by supporters, PSSI reportedly only prepared 9 thousand tickets. That number is much less than the stadium's capacity.

Although limited, the presence of the audience is still important for Fachruddin and his colleagues. The Indonesian national team is expected to win with direct support.

"This match can also raise our ranking in FIFA. Hopefully we can carry out the coach's orders and show the best performance," said the Madura United player.

In addition to improving rankings in FIFA, this match is also important for the national team in preparation for the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kuwait on 8 June.

Unfortunately, not all players in Shin Tae-Yong's squad are fit for this match against Bangladesh. One of the confirmed absences is Egy Maulana Vikri.