Indonesia vs Bangladesh: Herdman's Garuda Need Goals at GBK to Overtake Malaysia

While Malaysia play Singapore in Bandung tonight, the other half of the Group A decider takes place in Jakarta. Hosts Indonesia take on Bangladesh at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) at 7.30pm local time, which is 8.30pm in Malaysia.

For John Herdman's side the task is simple: win, and score enough goals to finish above Malaysia.

Why goals matter

Indonesia and Malaysia both have four points. Their meeting at GBK on Monday ended 0-0. Malaysia are top because they beat Bangladesh 3-0, while Indonesia beat Singapore 2-0. That gives Malaysia a one-goal edge on goal difference.

Herdman sees that as a challenge his team can meet. Indonesian news agency Antara quoted him as saying, in translation, that Indonesia's "destiny is in our own hands". He added that he would rather be in the dressing room of a team that needs to score goals than one trying not to concede.

Team news: Haye suspended

Indonesia will be without midfielder Thom Haye. He was sent off in the 35th minute against Malaysia, and Bola.com reported that he is suspended for tonight.

Herdman said there are no other injury problems. "We do not have any problems with injuries or any complaints that would prevent players from training," he told reporters, according to tvOneNews. He said training focused on recovery after two games in a few days and on finishing.

Indonesia have struggled for goals so far. Their only two came against Singapore, an Ole Romeny penalty and a Ragnar Oratmangoen strike. Goalkeeper Maarten Paes has kept two clean sheets.

Bola.com's predicted 4-3-3 has Kevin Diks, Elkan Baggott, Justin Hubner and Dean James in defence. Ivar Jenner, Joey Pelupessy and Calvin Verdonk are in midfield, with Luke Vickery, Romeny and Oratmangoen in attack.

Bangladesh playing for pride

Bangladesh, coached by former USA international Thomas Dooley, are already out after a 3-0 loss to Malaysia and a 1-0 defeat by Singapore. CNN Indonesia noted that they tightened up defensively in that second game, and Indonesia will expect them to sit deep again.

A day of remembrance

The match falls on 1 October, the anniversary of the 2022 Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster in Malang. Indonesian media report that Herdman wants his players to honour the victims tonight.

Group A scenarios at a glance

• Indonesia win, Malaysia fail to win: Indonesia top the group and reach the final.
• Both Indonesia and Malaysia win: the place in the final will likely come down to goal difference. Indonesia start one goal behind.
• Singapore beat Malaysia: the Lions reach six points, so Indonesia would need a win to stay ahead of them.

The group winner faces Thailand in the final at GBK on Monday, 5 October.

Key takeaways

• Indonesia vs Bangladesh kicks off at 8.30pm Malaysian time at Gelora Bung Karno, at the same time as Malaysia vs Singapore.
• Indonesia trail Malaysia by one goal on goal difference, with both teams on four points.
• Thom Haye is suspended after his red card against Malaysia. Herdman reports no injuries.
• Bangladesh are already eliminated.

FAQ

Can Indonesia still reach the final? Yes. They need to beat Bangladesh and finish above both Malaysia and Singapore on points or goal difference.

Why is Thom Haye missing? He was sent off in the 35th minute of Monday's 0-0 draw with Malaysia and is suspended for this match.

Where can Malaysian fans follow both games? Both kick off at 8.30pm Malaysian time. Check local listings for broadcast details.

Sources: Antara, CNN Indonesia, Bola.com, tvOneNews, The Star, AsiaOne