Indonesia unexpectedly eliminates "hero" before Asian Cup 2023

Initially, Saddil was not the one who left the Indonesian team before the 2023 Asian Cup. According to the previous decision, coach Shin Tae Yong had dropped Adam Alis and Arkhan Fikri. However, these two players were still sent to Qatar to train with the team and only returned to Indonesia when the continental tournament started.

However, after Indonesia lost 0-5 to Iran on January 9, coach Shin Tae Yong suddenly changed his decision, he eliminated Saddil and Arkhan.

The President of the National Team Authority (BTN), Sumardji directly confirmed the information: "Yes, Saddil and Arkhan have been removed from the squad for the 2023 Asian Cup".

Indonesia bất ngờ loại công thần trước thềm Asian Cup 2023 - 1 — Saddil Ramdani (left) during the match between Indonesia and Vietnam at the AFF Cup 2022 in January 2023 at My Dinh (Photo: Getty).

Arkhan Fikri plays in the midfield position, he cannot compete with Ivar Jenner, Marc Klok, Marselino Ferdinan and Ricky Kambuaya. However, Saddil's last-minute exclusion was completely surprising to Indonesian fans, because before that, this player was named in Indonesia's preliminary registration list for the 2023 Asian Cup.

"This is coach Shin Tae Yong's decision. There are three factors to consider when deciding the squad, the first is form, the second is discipline and the third is attitude. So these three things are the basis for evaluating a player," said Sumardji.

Asked whether Saddil's disqualification was due to disciplinary violations, Sumardji said: "I don't need to explain specifically, basically the three factors involved are performance, discipline and attitude."

Indonesia bất ngờ loại công thần trước thềm Asian Cup 2023 - 2 — Coach Shin Tae Yong is tightening discipline in the Indonesian team (photo: CNN Indonesia).

Saddil is 23 years old this year. He was called up to the Indonesian national team in 2017. To date, this player has played 26 matches for the national team and has participated in many major tournaments with the Indonesian team.

In the match against the Philippines in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers taking place in November 2023, Saddil was the one who equalized 1-1, bringing a valuable point for Indonesia. In addition to the decision to finalize the list for the 2023 Asian Cup, the Indonesian team also announced the shirt numbers of 26 players.

Indonesia squad for Asian Cup (arranged by shirt number)

1. Muhammad Riyandi

2. Yakob Sayuri

3. Elkan Baggott

4. Jordi Amat

5. Rizky Ridho

6. Sandy Walsh

7. Marselino Ferdinand

8. Witan Sulaeman

9. Dimas Drajad

10. Egy Maulana Vikri

11. Rafael Struick