Indonesia suffers blow as main midfielder ruled out of clash with Vietnam

ndonesia received a major setback as their star midfielder, Marselino Ferdinan, will miss the highly anticipated ASEAN Cup 2024 group-stage match against Vietnam due to suspension.

On the evening of December 12, Indonesia hosted Laos at the Manahan Stadium in their second Group B match. Despite being heavily favored, Shin Tae Yong’s side could only muster a 3-3 draw against a spirited Laos team, raising concerns about their form heading into the next crucial fixture.

The pivotal moment came in the 69th minute when Marselino Ferdinan committed a rash foul on Phommathep of Laos. The incident earned the 20-year-old his second yellow card of the match, leading to a red card and an automatic suspension. The midfielder had already been booked earlier in the 40th minute. Consequently, Ferdinan will be sidelined for the critical showdown against Vietnam.

Marselino Ferdinan’s absence is a significant blow to Indonesia. The midfielder has been a vital cog in Shin Tae Yong’s plans and was instrumental in Indonesia’s opening-round victory. His creativity and ability to control the tempo of the game will be sorely missed.

For Vietnam, this development comes as a boost to their preparations. With Ferdinan ruled out, Kim Sang Sik’s men will have one less threat to deal with in midfield. Moreover, Vietnam holds an advantage in terms of rest and preparation time, having skipped the second round of matches. The team will also enjoy the home crowd’s support as the match is set to take place at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho.

Vietnam enters the game on the back of a commanding 4-1 victory over Laos in their opening match. The team looked sharp, with goals from Hai Long, Tien Linh, Van Toan, and Van Vi securing an emphatic win. The absence of Ferdinan further tilts the scales in Vietnam’s favor as they aim to build on their strong start.

The match between Vietnam and Indonesia is scheduled for 8:00 PM on December 15 at Viet Tri Stadium. The encounter is poised to be a decisive one in Group B, with the winner likely taking control of the group and securing a favorable position for the knockout stages. Fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating a fierce battle, as these two regional powerhouses clash on the path to ASEAN Cup glory.