AFF Cup: Indonesia - We Need To Take Our Chances Against Thailand

Against Myanmar and Singapore in the group matches, Indonesia saw numerous chances go out the window. Benny is hoping that his players, especially strikers Budi Sudarsono, the tournament’s top scorer, and Bambang Pamungkas will be at their best and convert their chances.

“We are playing at home and must perform our best to go for a win. This is our commitment to our fans,” Benny commented. “Our strikers have to make full use of their chances.”

The Indonesian coach admitted that Thailand were strong and had players who were fast and were quick on the ball. “They have good speed and are always quick to get the ball. Our boys have to go for it and be just as quick. When we are robbed of the ball, we have to fight back ... we must be quick.”

The fact that all his players are in good condition has probably raised the team’s expectations of a good outcome. The Indonesian players have all recovered and are ready for action tomorrow evening at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Replying to a journalist’s question on how many goals Indonesia needed to be comfortable for the return semifinal tie, Bennys had this to say: “We must look at the quality of our opponents before we talk about how many goals to score. Thailand is a very good side, so is Singapore, and against these teams, you just have to give your best.

Thailand, the only other team besides Singapore to have won this tournament, are among the favourites, especially since coming under the guidance of English coach Peter Reid.