Roar of the AFF Cup 2024: Shin Tae-yong Introduces Three New Stars for the Indonesian National Team!

Kapanlagi.com - The preparation of the Indonesian national team for the 2024 AFF Cup has officially begun! Coach Shin Tae-yong has announced a list of 25 players who will strengthen the Garuda squad, and surprisingly, several new names have appeared on the list. Among these fresh faces, three players stand out: Rahmat Arjuna, Ricky Pratama, and Armando Obet Oropa.

This is their first call-up to represent Indonesia in the prestigious Southeast Asian event, and of course, this step has sparked the curiosity of many. Shin Tae-yong's courage in giving opportunities to young talents deserves praise, even though significant challenges await in the preparation and refinement of strategies.

So, what has their journey been like to earn this valuable opportunity? What makes them worthy of wearing the red and white jersey? Let’s follow the interesting stories of these young stars!

1. Rahmat Arjuna: Young Talent of Bali United

Rahmat Arjuna, a 20-year-old winger from Bali United, has caught the attention of coach Shin Tae-yong with his outstanding talent. The player from Bulukumba has shown impressive progress since making his debut in Liga 1 during the 2022/2023 season.

Although this season he has only recorded one assist from eight appearances, Shin Tae-yong believes that Rahmat's technical skills and explosive power on the wing hold great potential that is ready to explode.

2. Ricky Pratama: New Pillar of the Front Line

Ricky Pratama, a talented young striker from Sidoarjo who currently plays for PSM Makassar, is preparing to make an impression on the international stage thanks to a call-up from coach Shin Tae-yong.

At just 21 years old, Ricky has shown impressive performance in Liga 1 this season, contributing two assists from 11 matches. Although he had previously been called up for national team training camps without playing time, he now faces a golden opportunity to prove himself as the front line hero that is hoped for.

3. Armando Obet Oropa: The Surprising Winger from PSBS Biak

One of the most striking surprises in the national team player call-up is the selection of Armando Obet Oropa, a 21-year-old young winger from PSBS Biak. Although he has never experienced playing for the national team at any age level, Armando managed to capture attention with his brilliant performances in Liga 2, where he recorded one assist in eight matches this season.

This call-up by coach Shin Tae-yong clearly shows that Armando has the potential to compete on a higher stage. With burning enthusiasm and support from the coaching staff, Armando's journey in the upcoming AFF Cup is sure to be an interesting highlight for football fans.

4. The Challenge of Calling Up Naturalized Players

The Indonesian national team is increasingly attracting attention with the presence of three naturalized players: Rafael Struick, Justin Hubner, and Ivar Jenner. However, their fate to play in the AFF Cup still depends on the permission from their respective clubs, considering that this tournament is not scheduled in the official FIFA calendar.

"Their chances of playing depend on the clubs, but we are optimistic," said Nova Arianto.

The presence of these three players is expected to strengthen the Garuda squad, especially with the international experience they possess. Coach Shin Tae-yong's strategy of blending young and experienced players is hoped to create a more competitive team, allowing Indonesia to compete better on the Asian stage.

5. National Team Preparation for the AFF Cup

The training camp (TC) for the Indonesian national team will be held starting November 26, 2024, on the beautiful island of Bali, with the main goal of refining strategies and the players' fitness. Coach Shin Tae-yong emphasizes the importance of discipline, hoping that all players will arrive on time so that preparations can run smoothly.

During the TC, they will undergo intensive training sessions, including match simulations to sharpen team synergy. Experienced players like Marselino Ferdinan and Pratama Arhan are expected to serve as mentors for the younger generation.

The first match against Myanmar on December 9, 2024, at Thuwunna Stadium will be an early test for the Indonesian national team's journey in the AFF Cup, where thorough preparation is key to facing this tournament with full confidence.

6. Update on the List of 25 Indonesian National Team Players for the AFF Cup 2024

1. Robi Darwis (Persib Bandung)

2. Kakang Rudianto (Persib Bandung)

3. Ferdiansyah (Persib Bandung)

4. Zanadin Fariz (Persis Solo)

5. Kadek Arel (Bali United) 6. Rahmat Arjuna (Bali United)

7. Made Tito (Bali United)

8. Ronaldo Kwateh (Muangthong United, Thailand)

9. Hokky Caraka (PSS Sleman)

10. Cahya Supriadi (FC Bekasi City)

11. Erlangga Setyo (PSPS Riau)

12. Alfriyanto Nico (Dewa United)

13. Marselino Ferdinan (Oxford United, England)

14. Pratama Arhan (Suwon FC, South Korea)

15. Asnawi Mangkualam (Port FC, Thailand)

16. Iqbal Gwijangge (Barito Putera)

17. Muhammad Ferarri (Persija Jakarta)

18. Dony Tri Pamungkas (Persija Jakarta)

19. Rayhan Hannan (Persija Jakarta)

20. Ricky Pratama (PSM Makassar)

21. Ananda Rayhan (PSM Makassar)

22. Armando Obet Oropa (PSBS Biak)

23. Rafael Struick (Brisbane Roar, Australia)

24. Justin Hubner (Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21, England)

25. Ivar Jenner (Jong Utrecht, Netherlands)

(kpl/frr)