Football
ESPN staff 7y

Indonesia confirm Pakansari Stadium, plot Vietnam downfall in AFF semis

With the target of qualifying for their first AFF Suzuki Cup final in six years, tournament surprises Indonesia have begun a training camp ahead of Saturday's semifinal against Vietnam.

Since Tuesday, Alfred Riedl's side have been tuning up at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, the venue for the first leg.

According to the tournament's official website, the 30,000 capacity arena was chosen ahead of the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium because the Bandung field is still damaged.

After Saturday's home leg, Indonesia will travel to Hanoi ahead of the second leg on Dec. 7 at the My Dinh National Stadium.

The Indonesians have become the talk of the biennial tournament after beating four-time champions Singapore, drawing with co-hosts Philippines, and pushing holders Thailand, in their three Group A matches.

It is their first competitive tournament since the lifting of a one-year FIFA ban, for government interference, in May.

Their 2-1 comeback victory against Singapore in Manila last Friday saw them grab the second qualifying spot behind the Thais, who beat Philippines 1-0 on the same night.

Indonesia, who have never won the AFF Championship, were losing finalists in 2000, 2002, 2004, in addition to 2010.

The Vietnamese won their one and only title in 2008 when they upset Thailand in the final.

The 2016 final will be played over two legs on Dec. 14 and 17.

^ Back to Top ^