RIGHT TONIC FOR INDONESIA BEFORE OMAN CLASH

The Indonesian national team will open their qualifying campaign for the Asian Cup 2011 against Oman tomorrow evening.

The goals for Indonesia in the friendly which was played at the Seeb Stadium were scored by Budi Sudarsono in the 14th minute and a brace from Bambang Pamungkas (pic) with goals in the 35th and 55th minute.

“The match against Al Shabab was extremely difficult as we were up against a side which featured four foreign players – from Brazil, Tunisia and Senegal. Furthermore, the weather condition was very cold and it rained the whole time we played,” said Chandra Solehan, the Indonesian assistant team manager.

In the meantime head coach Benny Dolo felt that his team will have to be strong defensively if they want to get the better of Oman – who had just scooped up the Gulf Cup 2009 this weekend after beating Saudi Arabia 6-5 on penalties.

“Oman play a very fast game and are clearly well organised,” said Benny.

“Their strikers are very quick which means our defense must be smart in their anticipation otherwise, it will be a problem.”