Indonesia will go for goals in AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal vs. Vietnam
Indonesia stalwart Andik Vermansyah wants his side to get down to some serious business in front of their home fans against Vietnam in their AFF Suzuki Cup first-leg semifinal at the Pakansari Stadium in Bogor on Saturday.
Hopes are high for the Merah Putih, who recently came off a year-long ban in May to book their place in the last four. That's despite being in a tough group against defending champions Thailand, Singapore and co-hosts Philippines.
Indonesia finished second behind Thailand on four points, courtesy of their 2-2 draw against Philippines, and their nail-biting 2-1 triumph over Singapore in the final Group A game.
That win came at a cost, as both centre-backs Facrudin Aryanto and Rudolof Basna picked up cautions which rules them out of Saturday's encounter.
"We have our key defenders out for this game, but we cannot let that stop us from pushing for a healthy lead ahead of the second game," Selangor star Andik told ESPN FC.
"We will go for goals to secure victory, and try to make it a smoother ride ahead of the return leg."
But the speedy winger, who scored the equaliser in the victory over Singapore, warned against any complacency against Vietnam.
Alhamdulilah melangkah sedikit demi sedikit��. Dan perjuangan masih jauh lagi������ #indonesiaku❤️❤️❤️
A photo posted by Andik Vermansah (@andikvermansah) on
The Golden Stars will also be without their last man Truong Dinh Luat through suspension.
"Even though they have a player suspended, Vietnam still have many quality players, be it in the starting 11, and also in the bench. We will not take anything for granted," he said.
Indonesia captain Boaz Solossa also missed training the past week through illness, but the striker should be fit to start on Saturday.
Vietnam, who comfortably topped their group B after winning their games against Myanmar, Malaysia and Cambodia, are also looking for regional success.
Nguyen Huu Thang's side last lifted the AFF Cup in 2008 for their sole title, and hopes are mounting in the football-obsessed nation of 90 million.
Captain Le Cong Vinh, who has two goals in the tournament, was anticipating a litmus test against the first-leg hosts.
"Indonesia are a strong side. They have come into the semifinal with a lot of difficulties, and did well to qualify from a group that had Thailand, Singapore and Philippines. We need to be wary of them," Cong Vinh told VnExpress.net
The other semifinal sees Myanmar entertaining holders Thailand at the Thuwunna Stadium on Sunday.
