Jakarta. Indonesia U-23 is pinning their hopes on Ramadhan Sananta as they prepare to face Uzbekistan in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup semifinal at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha, Qatar, on Monday at 09:00 p.m. Jakarta time. A victory in this match would secure the Garuda squad a coveted spot in the Paris Olympics.

Sananta is expected to spearhead the Indonesian attack, stepping into the shoes of main striker Rafael Struick, who is unavailable due to receiving two yellow cards. Struick incurred his second yellow card during the match against Jordan in the group stage.

This absence deals a blow to Coach Shin Tae-yong's forward line as Struick, who scored two goals against South Korea in the quarter-final, has been a constant presence in the starting eleven.

With Struick sidelined, Sananta is set to lead Indonesia's attack alongside Marselino Ferdinan and Witan Sulaeman.

Standing at 180 centimeters tall, Sananta, although mostly utilized as a substitute in previous matches, is now expected to start against Uzbekistan. Despite receiving a red card in the opening match against Qatar, he has been instrumental in Indonesia's journey to the semifinals.

Indonesia's defense, led by Justin Hubner, Rizky Ridho, and Komang Teguh, faces a daunting task against Uzbekistan, who have not conceded a single goal in the tournament so far.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan U-23, under the guidance of Timur Kapadze, has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, winning all their group stage matches and the quarterfinal without conceding a single goal.

The Uzbekistan attack has been potent, with goals coming from various players, making them a dangerous opponent for Indonesia.

In the midfield, Uzbekistan's Jasurbek Jaloliddinov and Khuisain Norchaev have been particularly impressive, while their defense, led by Mukhammadkodir Khamralliev, has been rock solid.

Indonesia U-23 will need to be at their absolute best to breach Uzbekistan's defense and secure a spot in the final.

The Garuda Squad is on the cusp of securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics after the Young Garuda squad advanced to the semifinals of the U-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.

In the quarterfinal match, held at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Thursday (early Friday in Jakarta time), the Indonesia U-23 national team defeated South Korea in a penalty shootout, winning 11-10 after the match ended 2-2 following 120 minutes of play.

The U-23 Asian Cup also serves as the AFC qualification tournament for the Paris Olympics. The top three teams, including the finalists and the third-place playoff winner, will earn a spot in the Olympics. Meanwhile, the fourth-placed team will face Guinea in an intercontinental playoff.

Predicted Line-ups:

Indonesia U-23 (3-4-3): Ernando Ari; Justin Hubner, Rizky Ridho, Komang Teguh; Pratama Arhan, Nathan Tjoe A On, Ivar Jenner, Ilham Rio Fahmi; Marselino Ferdinan, Ramadhan Sananta, Witan Sulaeman.
Coach: Shin Tae-yong

Uzbekistan U-23 (4-2-3-1): Abduvokhid Nematov; Abdukodir Khusanov, Mukhammadkodir Khamralliev, Ibrakhimkhalil Yuldoshev; Abbosdek Fayzullaev, Abdurauf Buriev; Ruslanbek Jiyanov, Jasurbek Jaloliddinov, Diyor Khalmatov; Khuisain Norchaev.
Coach: Timur Kapadze

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