The Indonesia national team was drawn in Group B of the 2018 AFF Championshp. In the group, Indonesia will face reigning champions Thailand, Philippines, SIngapore and the winner of the play-off between Timor Leste and Brunei.
In the new format, Indonesia will host two matches with another two more away matches to be played. For the home matches, Indonesia are scheduled to face the victors from the Timor Leste v Brunei play-ff on November 13 before welcoming Philippines on November 25.
When contacted, Football Assocation of Indonesia (PSSI) revealed that two stadium are being prepared for the matches that the team will go through in the group stage this year.
"We have a lot of choices in the Jakarta and surrounding areas. We will see what level of readiness it is. At this point, we are looking at Pakansari Stadium (Bogor) and Patriot Stadium (Bekasi), " said Tisha Destria the secretary general of PSSI after the draw was done.
"After the Asian Games, Gelora Bung Karno will have to go through a period of refurbishment. So it is possible that it may not be ready in time to be used. As such, we are looking at other options but it also depends on the opponents. They would not like to travel far and even though PSSI may want to play at Balikpapan, the opponents may not be so keen."
"Of course we will be targeting to be champions," she added.
Indonesia finished as runners-up in the last edition in 2016, falling to eventual champions Thailand in the final.
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