PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir: President Jokowi Watches The Indonesian National Team Vs Brunei Darussalam In SUGBK

Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Cosmas Kopong Beda/VOI)

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir confirmed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) would watch the Indonesian national team match against Brunei Darussalam at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).

The Indonesian and Brunei Darussalam national teams will meet in the first round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification, Thursday, October 12 at 19.00 WIB.

"The President has informed us that he will attend. Because football is for the President to be the number one spectacle. So, hopefully our team can be maximized," said Erick.

The Indonesian national team on paper is favored to win against Brunei. Moreover, in the four latest clashes, Indonesia managed to win and score 18 goals without conceding.

The Indonesian national team coach Shin Tae-yong predicts that with such statistics, Brunei Darussalam will most likely play defensively.

"Surely the opponent will be more defensive and that way they will want to counterattack. We also don't want to concede at all. So, I will try my best for that," he said.

It is certain that the Indonesian national team will not be strengthened by Rafael Struick and Marselino Ferdinand in the match later. The health conditions of the two players are not yet within 100 percent of the injury.

However, the two names were also called Shin Tae-yong along with 24 other names who made preparations against Brunei. The summons aims to keep the two of them training with the team.

After playing the first leg at SUGBK, the Garuda squad will travel to Brunei headquarters on Tuesday, October 17. For this reason, the Indonesian national team needs to take advantage of this home match.