Indonesia’s national soccer team has made the decision to withdraw from the upcoming AFF U23 Championship in Cambodia due to a combination of Covid cases and injuries.
The defending champions had been considered strong contenders for the title, with key players such as Pratama Arhan, Ramai Rumakiek, Marselino Ferdinan, and Ronaldo Kwateh expected to lead the team to victory.
However, the team faced a setback when seven players and one team official tested positive for Covid-19 prior to the tournament. In addition, four other players were placed in isolation due to close contact with those who tested positive. This Covid-19 outbreak resulted in the absence of several key players, including Ronaldo Kwateh, Muhammad Ferrari, Braif Fatari, Taufik Hidayat, Irfan Jauhari, Ahmad Figo Ramadhani, and Cahya Supriyadi.
On top of the Covid-19 issues, the team also struggled with regular injury concerns, further complicating their ability to compete in the championship.
With Indonesia’s withdrawal, Group B of the tournament will now consist of Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos. Malaysia and Myanmar will kick off their group stage matches on February 15, while Laos will have the luxury of sitting out matchday 1. Major General Khiev Sameth, the president of the AFF, expressed understanding and empathy for the Indonesian U23 team’s decision, stating, “We are deeply saddened to receive the news from PSSI but fully understand and empathize with the Indonesian U23 team. The pandemic has affected many people in the ASEAN region and continues to impact our communities today. While we will miss seeing the Indonesia U23 Team defend their crown this year, we believe that the health and safety of everyone is of utmost importance and wish the affected members of the Indonesian U23 team a speedy recovery.”
This unforeseen turn of events emphasizes the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which continues to disrupt various aspects of life, including sporting events. The health and well-being of athletes and team personnel remain a top priority, and it is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize safety protocols to avoid further spread of the virus.
Ultimately, while it is disappointing to see Indonesia withdraw from the tournament, the decision reflects a responsible approach to managing the current health crisis. The team’s focus will now shift to prioritizing the recovery and well-being of the affected players and officials, with hopes that they will return to the field stronger and healthier in the future.
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