Expectations are running very high for the home side as the AFF Under-19 Championship 2018 kicks-off tomorrow. The last time this tournament was staged here in 2013, Indonesia walked away as the champions after winning a stunning shootout against Vietnam. And so, it’s no surprise that there is so much attention on this youth competition.
While Indonesia are aiming for history to repeat itself, there are 10 other countries competing here with their own plans to wrest the title. Thailand, the defending champions, along with Vietnam, and Malaysia, who have all qualified for the AFC Under-19, will be among the teams to watch, but none can also discount the likes of Singapore and Myanmar.
The 11 teams have been drawn in two groups. Group A, with six teams, is made up of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines and Laos. Group B has five teams, featuring Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Timor Leste and Brunei.
“We hope to be in the final,” declared Vietnam coach, Hoang Anh Tuan, himself a former national player, at today’s officials press conference. “But it will be tough for us as Indonesia and Thailand are very strong teams, and they are in our group.”
He added that this tournament was important to his team’s long-term development and growth. “This is a chance for the team to improve and also work towards the AFC Under-19 (in Indonesia) later this year.”
Indra Sjafri, the Indonesian coach, said his team would deliver its best but he also spoke about the limited time he had with his boys. Many of the Indonesian players have club commitments, including rising star, Egy Maulana Vikri, who is based in Poland.
“My preparations with the team has been short but what’s more important is to build a team for the future, for the national team. This tournament is also good to prepare this team for the forthcoming AFC Under-19 later this year,” Indra told a packed room of journalists. The strong media turnout was a clear indication of the massive level of interest in the Indonesian team.
Malaysian assistant coach Hairuddin Omar explained that the Malaysian team would be arriving here tomorrow. “Many of our players are involved in the league back home but as we play our opening match on July 4, we still have some time. This tournament is good as it will help give our players the experience and expose them for the Asian competition.”
Meanwhile, Laos head coach, Chusak Sriphum, who is a Thai national, admitted that it would be tough especially with an opening game against the home side tomorrow evening at the Gelora Delta Stadium. “I realise we are in a very strong group but we would like to aim for three points in every game.
Singapore coach Rob Servais echoed what his counterparts said today on the ability of the teams, especially in Group A. “Every team has its challenges. We respect everyone here.”
Timor Leste meanwhile have been delayed in arriving here due the cancellation of flights from Bali after Mount Agung spewed out smoke and ash. They are due to arrive later today.
The action starts tomorrow afternoon with a smashing opening Group A game between the defending champions Thailand and Vietnam. Two other Group A matches, between Singapore and Philippines and the match Indonesian fans are eagerly waiting for between their team and Laos.
FIXTURES
Tomorrow (July 1) – Group A: Vietnam vs Thailand, Singapore vs Philippines, Indonesia vs Laos
July 2 – Group B: Timor Leste vs Myanmar, Brunei vs Cambodia
July 3 – Group A: Thailand vs Laos, Indonesia vs Singapore, Vietnam vs Philippines
July 4 – Group B: Cambodia vs Malaysia, Brunei vs Timor Leste
July 5 – Group A: Laos vs Vietnam, Philippines vs Indonesia, Thailand vs Singapore
For the complete fixtures, go to http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/aff-u19-championship-2018/#1526567058939-ef16c19b-91be
