AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 Group B Previews of Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia!

(Team B Poster. Credit Design : AFF Suzuki Cup Facebook Page)

By Sadat Osman

AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 sees 10 regional teams competing in Singapore with matches taking place at the National Stadium and Bishan Stadium respectively.  And Group B comprises defending champions Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. In this feature, we'll briefly look at all 5 teams from that Group. 

Malaysia

Singapore's Causeway rivals have never missed a single AFF Suzuki Cup, and despite numerous roadblocks including defeats in the finals in 1996, 2014 and 2018, they managed to pick up the trophy in 2010 – leaving a lasting memory in the hearts of Malaysian fans for years.

(Team Malaysia : Photo Credit : Lions of Asia Facebook Page)

Head coach Tan Cheng Hoe was at the helm during the Tigers’ last run in the competition and he surpassed expectations by bringing his side to the penultimate game of the tournament.

At the start of Malaysia’s recent training camp, Cheng Hoe said: “We are hoping that the players will be in the best shape possible because we are running out of time. I hope the players are free from injuries and all set for our opening game. What’s important is that every player who joins up has the same dream and desire to make a difference to the national squad.”

(Malaysia Head Coach Tan Cheng Hoe. Photo Credit : www.malaymail.com)

2 days before Group B kickoff their campaign though, Cheng Hoe announced that 2 of his players had tested positive for Covid-19. The duo are Faisal Halim and Khairulazhan Khalid and they're now under quarantine for 10 days.

In the last 5 editions of the Suzuki Cup, Malaysia featured in 4 semi-finals and played in 3 finals, winning one of them (2010). The Tigers might be missing a few key players due to Covid and other factors. But the team still has veteran stars such as their 2010-winning custodian Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, along with Baddrol Bakhtiar and captain Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak.

Malaysia’s first game will be against Cambodia on 6 December.

Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Khairul Fahmi (Sabah), Khairulazhan Khalid (Selangor), Azri Ghani (Perak)

Defenders:

Aidil Zafuan (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Shahrul Saad (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Junior Eldstal (Chonburi), Rizal Ghazali (Sabah), Syahmi Safari (Muangthong United), Dion Cools (FC Midtjylland), Dominic Tan (Sabah), Arif Fadzilah (Terengganu), Ariff Farhan Isa (Kedah Darul Aman), Quentin Cheng (Penang)

Midfielders:

Baddrol Bakhtiar (Sabah), Akram Mahinan (Kuala Lumpur City), Akhyar Rashid (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Kenny Pallraj (Kuala Lumpur City), Safawi Rasid (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Mukhairi Ajmal (Selangor), Kogileswaran Raj (Petaling Jaya City)

Forwards:

Syafiq Ahmad (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Guilherme de Paula (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Shahrel Fikri (Selangor), Luqman Hakim Shamsudin (Kortrijk), Faisal Halim (Terengganu), Fayadh Zulkifli (Kedah Darul Aman), Danial Asri (Selangor)

Prediction: 3rd place in Group B

Cambodia

With 7 previous appearances in the AFF Suzuki Cup, including the last two editions in 2016 and 2018, Cambodia can be considered one of the regulars in the group stage of the tournament. But they have never made into the knockout stage!

(Team Cambodia, Keisuke Honda and PM Hun Sen in Sep 2021. Photo Credit : www.cambodianess.com)

Ryu Hirose was handed the reins in March, taking over from Felix Dalmas, and the 65-year-old will have the help of former Japanese star Keisuke Honda, who remains the General Manager of the Cambodian side. Honda was complimented by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in September, for leading the national team to a 2-1 victory over Guam in the 2nd leg of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifiers playoff.

(Cambodian striker Keo Sokpheng. Photo Credit : https://thethao247.vn)

Meanwhile, Cambodian star Keo Sokpheng said they should play very hard to stand a chance of reaching the semi-finals. "All the Group B opponents are strong, as they also have good preparation. For us, every game in the group stage is very important,” he stressed.

Cambodia will go head-to-head with Malaysia in their opening game on 6 December.

Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Keo Soksela (Visakha), Hul Kimhuy (Boeung Ket), Vireak Dara (Prey Veng)

Defenders:

Soeuy Visal (Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng), Cheng Meng (Visakha), Sath Rosib (Boeung Ket), Sareth Krya (Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng), Ken Chansopheak (Visakha), Tes Sambath (Visakha), Yue Safy (Phnom Penh Crown), Sor Rotana (Prey Veng), Soeuth Nava (Boeung Ket), Chan Sarapich (Prey Veng)

Midfielders:

Kouch Sokumpheak (Nagaworld), Sos Suhana (Nagaworld), Chrerng Polroth (Visakha), Orn Chanpolin (Phnom Penh Crown), Brak Thiva (Phnom Penh Crown), Lim Pisoth (Phnom Penh Crown), Min Ratanak (Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng), Choun Chanchav (Phnom Penh Crown), Ean Pisey (Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng), Sin Sovannmakara (Prey Veng)

Forwards:

Prak Mony Udom (Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng), Keo Sokpheng (Visakha), Chan Vathanaka (Boeung Ket), Sieng Chanthea               (Boeung Ket), Leng Nora (Prey Veng), Nhean Sosidan (Tiffy Army), Sa Ty (Electricite du Cambodge)

Prediction: 4th place in Group B

(Laos' National Team. Photo Credit : Lao Football News FB Page)

Laos

Making their 12th appearance in the AFF Suzuki Cup, Laos will once again be managed by a Singaporean. This time V. Selvaraj will be in charge, as the 3rd Singaporean to lead the Laotian side – after Mike Wong and V. Sundram Moorthy. 

(V Selvaraj and V Sundram Moorthy - Photo Credit : Lions of Asia FB Page)

The Laotians will be aiming to progress past the group stages. And although it will be a big ask, a semi-final berth will surpass all previous achievements for by the team in this competition. Billy Ketkeophomiphone is the man whom Selvaraj will be counting on to ensure that Laos can become a competitive side in Group B.

(Laos' Billy Ketkeophomiphone. Photo Credit : Lions of Asia FB Page)

Ketkeophomphone said: “Physically, I’m at my best. I trained for many months with my club. I’m in good shape, so I’m ready for the upcoming matches. I may need some time to adjust to the new teammates, the weather, but for sure, all will go well.”

Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Solasak Thilavong (Young Elephants), Keo-Oudone Souvannasangso (Army), Seeamphone Sengsavang (Young Elephants), Xaysavath Souvanhansok (Young Elephants)

Defenders:

Photthavong Sangvilay (Ezra), Anantaza Siphongphan (Ezra), Kaharn Phetsivilay (Elephants), Xeedee Pomsavanh (Army), Thipphachanth Inthavong (Chanthabouly), Nalongsit Chanhthalangsy (Viengchanh), Sengdaovy Hanthavong (Viengchanh), Chitpasong Latthachack (Young Elephants), Aphixay Thanakhanty (Elephants), Loungeleuang Keophouvong (Young Elephants)

Midfielders:

Phathana Phommathep (Ezra), Mitsada Saytaifah (Satun United), Kydavone Souvanny (Young Elephants), Phoutthasay Khochalern (Samut Prakan City), Manolom Phetphakdy (Young Elephants), Phoutthalak Thongsanith (Ezra), Bounphachan Bounkong (Young Elephants), Vongphachanh Phoutthavong (Twenty Six United), Sisawad Dalavong (Army), Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone (Savannakhet)

Forwards:

Soukaphone Vongchiengkham (Udon Thani), Somxay Keohanam (Young Elephants), Vannasone Douangmaity (Young Elephants), Billy Ketkeophomphone (Dunkerque), Chony Wenpaserth (Ezra), Visith Bounpaserth (Salavan Province)

Prediction: 5th place in Group B

Vietnam

The prodigy of ASEAN are in hot form, as they have continued to build on their 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup success, by reaching Round 3 of the World Cup 2022 qualifications. With such accolades, the Golden Dragons march into to this year’s tournament as clear favourites to retain their title.

(Coach Park Hang-seo. Photo Credit : https://saigoneer.com)

Head coach Park Hang-seo is undoubtedly one of the most revered men in Vietnam, after he led his side to their 2nd AFF Suzuki Cup triumph two years ago. And despite a loss in his recent game against Saudi Arabia in a 2022 World Cup Qualifier, he remains positive.

He said: “I always remind the players to be confident. But the problem is how to turn confidence into action. I told the players that it also depends on other factors like the opponent's level and the pressure that they put on us. Sometimes, we are so confident but cannot fight the pressure from the opponent. We've lost many games, but the players are getting better. When we play the top teams in Asia, our level and adaptability will increase.”

(Vietnam squad.  (Photo Credit : https://vir.com.vn)

The Vietnamese look vulnerable, especially arriving at this tournament on the back of a 6-match winless streak. All eyes will be on their match opener at 8.30pm on 6 Dec against Laos at the Bishan Stadium. With minnows Timor Leste a day earlier, restricting title favourites Thailand to a 2-0 win, the Laotians could prove to be the bogey side in Group B!

Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Trần Nguyên Mạnh (Viettel), Bùi Tấn Trường (Hà Nội), Nguyễn Văn Hoàng (Sông Lam Nghệ An), Quan Văn Chuẩn (Phú Thọ)

Defenders:

Quế Ngọc Hải (Viettel), Đỗ Duy Mạnh (Hà Nội), Bùi Tiến Dũng (Viettel),Vũ Văn Thanh (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Nguyễn Phong Hồng Duy (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Trần Đình Trọng (Hà Nội), Nguyễn Thành Chung (Hà Nội), Hồ Tấn Tài (Topenland Bình Nội), Đỗ Thanh Thịnh          (SHB Đà Nẵng)

Midfielders:

Lương Xuân Trường (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Nguyễn Quang Hải (Hà Nội), Phan Văn Đức (Sông Lam Nghệ An), Đỗ Hùng Dũng (Hà Nội), Nguyễn Tuấn Anh (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Phạm Đức Huy (Hà Nội), Nguyễn Hoàng Đức (Viettel), Trần Minh Vương (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Lê Văn Xuân (Hà Nội)

Forwards:

Nguyễn Công Phượng (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Nguyễn Văn Toàn (Hoàng Anh Gia Lai), Nguyễn Tiến Linh (Becamex Bình Dương), Hà Đức Chinh (SHB Đà Nẵng), Trần Văn Đạt (Công An Nhân Dân)

Prediction: 1st place in Group B

Indonesia

In terms of experience in the AFF Suzuki Cup, Indonesia just like Singapore, have featured in all 12 editions of the competition to date. However, the Indonesians haven’t been the most fortunate in the tournament.

They have lost in 5 separate finals and the closest they came to a top finish in the championship was in 2002, when they were overcome by Thailand in a penalty shootout.

(Indonesia Team training in Singapore. Photo Credit : Lions of Asia Facebook Page)

Shin Tae-yong is the Garudas’ head coach — he took over during the joint 2022 World Cup/2023 Asian Cup qualification where he notably claimed a well-deserved 2-2 draw against Thailand. The Indonesian national team successfully defeated Antalyaspor 4-0 in a test match held in Turkey. Despite winning, Shin Tae-yong isn’t too overconfident.

He said, “We have to improve mentally and continue to maintain the spirit of the players. What is clear is that during the training camp in Turkey the players have shown good development and continue to improve.”

(Indonesia Coach Shin Tae-Yong. Photo Credit https://voi.id)

Indonesia’s first game will be against Cambodia on 9 December.

Squad List

Goalkeepers:

Muhammad Riyandi (Barito Putera), Nadeo Argawinata (Bali United), Syahrul Fadil (Persikabo 1973), Ernando Ari (Persebaya Surabaya)

Defenders:

Fachrudin Aryanto (Madura United), Victor Igbonefo (Persib Bandung), Asnawi Mangkualam (Ansan Greeners), Pratama Arhan (PSIS Semarang), Rachmat Irianto (Persebaya Surabaya), Rizky Ridho (Persebaya Surabaya), Ryuji Utomo (Persija Jakarta), Marckho Meraudje (Borneo), Edo Febriansyah (Persita Tangerang), Alfeandra Dewangga (PSIS Semarang), Elkan Baggott (Ipswich Town), Rizky Febrianto (Arema)

Midfielders:

Evan Dimas (Bhayangkara), Kadek Agung (Bali United), Witan Sulaeman (Lechia Gdańsk), Syahrian Abimanyu (Johor Darul Ta'zim), Ricky Kambuaya (Persebaya Surabaya), Ramai Rumakiek (Persipura Jayapura), Yabes Roni (Bali United), Ahmad Agung (Persik Kediri)

Forwards:

Irfan Jaya (PSS Sleman), Dedik Setiawan               (Arema), Egy Maulana (Senica), Kushedya Yudo (Arema), Ezra Walian (Persib Bandung), Hanis Saghara (Persikabo 1973)

Prediction: 2nd place in Group B

Sadat Osman had a 10-year career in the publication industry, where he covered several beats including current affairs, food, fishing, music, and football. As the former chief editor at Goal.com and a fan of Newcastle United FC since 1996,  Sadat also had a trial as a goalkeeper at Tanjong Pagar United FC. But today he remains a frequent social player of the game, who fancies Lionel Messi. However, Sadat's playing style is unfortunately similar to that of Titus Bramble!