Marselino Ferdinand Absent Against Vietnam, Who Is The Replacement Option?

Indonesian National Team Player, Marselino Ferdinand. (ARTIP INSTAGRAM @marselinoferdinan10)

JAKARTA Marselino Ferdinand was confirmed absent when the Indonesian national team played the third round of the 2024 AFF Cup group stage against Vietnam.

Indonesia is scheduled to play an away match to the headquarters of The Golden Stars for the continued Group B match at the Viet Tri Stadium on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 20.00 WIB.

This includes crucial matches for the two countries that are seeded in the group. Both teams will certainly both appear to insist on chasing points.

However, Indonesia cannot field Marselino. The 20-year-old had to step out of the squad for serving a red card.

The red card was received by the former Persebaya Surabaya player against Laos. He was expelled by the referee for receiving a second yellow card in the match which ended 3-3.

Marselino's absence clearly leaves a problem for Indonesia in midfield. This is serious because Vietnam is a team that always makes it difficult for the Indonesian national team.

Coach Shin Yae Tong had tried to call Ivar Jenner to fill the hole. However, the player was not released by his club to defend the Garuda squad.

Thus, Shin Tae Yong must look for options. One of the reliable players is Muhammad Rayhan Hannan, a midfielder belonging to Persija Jakarta.

Garuda troops are currently still at the top of the standings with four points. That's the result of one win against Myanmar and one draw with Laos.

Vietnam trailed in second place with three points. The team made by coach Kim Sang Sik has only played once when they beat Laos with a score of 4-1.