Jakarta. In their crucial playoff against Guinea to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, the Indonesian national team will be missing two key defensive players. Captain Rizky Ridho will be absent due to a red card received in the U-23 Asian Cup semifinal against Uzbekistan. Another vital player, Justin Hubner, was not released by his club, Cerezo Osaka.

"Honestly, our squad is not in good shape. It can be said that the defensive line is almost collapsing at the moment. So, with the squad we have now, we have to work hard until the end to achieve good results," said Indonesia Coach Shin Tae-yong in a press conference via Zoom on Wednesday night.

Shin understands Cerezo Osaka's decision not to release Justin Hubner. "However, this is the last match, so it is really sad and regrettable because he was not released because the Indonesian team doesn't often get the chance to qualify for the Olympics. Moreover, this is the last chance to qualify for the Olympics, but I am having difficulties, it is really regrettable," he added.

To address this, Shin Tae-yong has called up Alfeandra Dewangga as a replacement.

On paper, Guinea's strength is far superior to the Young Garudas. The African country is ranked 76th in the latest FIFA rankings, while Indonesia is in 134th place.

Shin Tae-yong, after analyzing Guinea's strength through video recordings, admitted that the West African team is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

"I have been analyzing Guinea's strength through video recordings. They are a very good and strong team, especially since many Guinea players also play in Europe. So, it cannot be said that this is a weak team. This is quite worrying," he said.

Garuda Muda will face Guinea in the playoff for the last remaining ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics at Clairefontaine, Paris, France, on Thursday. The match will kick off at 08:00 p.m. Jakarta time.