Indonesia has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming AFF U23 Championship in Cambodia. The reigning champions were forced to pull out of the tournament due to a significant number of Covid cases and injuries within their team.
The Indonesian squad, which included standout players such as Pratama Arhan, Ramai Rumakiek, Marselino Ferdinan, and Ronaldo Kwateh, was expected to be a strong contender for the trophy. However, the team was dealt a major blow when seven players and one team official tested positive for Covid-19. Additionally, four more players were placed in isolation as close contacts of those who tested positive.
As a result of the Covid outbreak, several key players, including Ronaldo Kwateh, Muhammad Ferrari, Braif Fatari, Taufik Hidayat, Irfan Jauhari, Ahmad Figo Ramadhani, and Cahya Supriyadi, were ruled out of the tournament. The team also faced injury concerns with a number of players being doubtful for the competition.
The withdrawal of the Indonesian team from the AFF U23 Championship has left Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos as the three remaining teams in Group B. Malaysia and Myanmar are set to kick off their group stage matches on February 15, while Laos will have to wait until the following matchday to make their tournament debut.
In response to Indonesia’s withdrawal, AFF President, Major General Khiev Sameth, expressed his disappointment but also extended understanding and support to the Indonesian U23 team. He emphasized the impact of the ongoing pandemic on communities in the ASEAN region and stressed the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved in the tournament. He also wished the affected members of the Indonesian U23 team a speedy recovery.
The decision to withdraw from the AFF U23 Championship was undoubtedly a tough one for the Indonesian team, who were eager to defend their title. However, in light of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the well-being of their players, it was a necessary step to take. The focus now shifts to the remaining teams as they prepare to compete in the tournament without Indonesia’s presence.
As we await further developments in the lead-up to the AFF U23 Championship, it is important to recognize the impact of the pandemic on sporting events and the measures being taken to prioritize the health and safety of athletes and teams. The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the global community and the resilience required to navigate through these difficult times.
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