News Of The U-20 National Team Squad Ahead Of The First Match In The 2023 Asian Cup

The Indonesian U-20 national team. (photo: PSSI)

JAKARTA - The U-20 Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, reported the condition of the squad ahead of the inaugural U-20 2023 Asian Cup match in Uzbekistan. The coach said it was likely that Zanadin Fariz was absent due to his injury.

"Yes, Zanadin was injured before coming here (Uzbekistan). Even so, his recovery went well," said Shin Tae-yong during a press conference on Tuesday, February 28.

The signs of Zanadin in a bad condition were seen during a mini tournament against Guatemala. In that match, he suffered an injury and was replaced by Resa Aditya who was previously a second striker.

Despite the injury, Shin Tae-yong still brought Zanadin to come to Uzbekistan. But unfortunately, his condition was still not too good until it was confirmed that he was absent from the inaugural match against Iraq on Wednesday, March 1.

In fact, there is a possibility that he will not be able to play in the 2023 U-20 Asian Cup.

"The change that we did yesterday (during the mini tournament) was done because of his bad physical condition (Zanadin) and his injury recurred. It seems that he cannot participate in this (U-20 Asian Cup) tournament," continued Shin Tae-yong.

Zanadin's injury is a loss for the Garuda Nusantara squad. Because the stock of attacking midfielders owned by Shin Tae-yong is running low. Before Zanadin was confirmed to be sidelined, Marselino Ferdinand was also confirmed to be absent.

Eka, a Persebaya Surabaya player, is certain to not participate in defending the national team because he still has to appear at his club KMSK Deinze in the Belgian League. This situation forced Shin Tae-yong to rack his brains to maximize the material of the players he currently has to appear in the U-20 Asian Cup.

Meanwhile, Shin has already determined the player who will captain the team against Iraq. He is the center back from Persija Jakarta, Muhammad Ferrari.

Ferrari has indeed held the position of captain of the U-20 national team several times. He has even held this responsibility since undergoing a training camp in Europe in October last year.

"For tomorrow's match is (Muhammad) Ferrari," Shin said, as reported by Antara.