Jakarta, Indonesia – E be like say the World Cup dream no go die as Indonesia still dey battle for their qualifying spot. With just two match days left for the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, dem underdogs dey shine like diamond as dem dey look for better results against China and Japan.
As e stand now, Indonesia don already secure top two finish for Group C, but wetin dem go do next? Dem dey fourth position, and only four points behind second place. After dem don dodge heavy losses, na this chance dem get to push dem World Cup waka come true.
On Thursday, Indonesia go open their arms to China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. This stadium no be small fry, with space for 77,193 football mad fans. Last time dem meet, China chop dem 2-1, and na that level of vengeance go dey in the air this time around. No be say dem no fit win, sha; the Chinese team don suffer defeat already, and dem dey ripe for this kind picking.
Indonesia don impress for the qualification round with draws against Saudi Arabia and Australia, but dem still dey hunger for that sweet victory. Na note say if dem fit carry win come, e go set dem up for showdown with Japan next Tuesday. Japan don already qualify, and dem go carry youths wey no see big field before to mix with the experienced players. E go be test for Indonesia to see how dem fit handle pressure.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu of Japan dey chop like chop fingers as e plan to use younger boys for dem final match, but na dem veterans wey carry experience go dey stand firm. People like captain and veteran defender dey ready to show say Japan still get plenty firepower even as dem dey blood new talents.
If Indonesia fit gather two victories, dem go land on 15 points, and den go need Australia to falter against tough teams like Japan and Saudi Arabia. If everything go according to plan, Indonesia fit find demself among the top four and progress to the next stage of the qualifiers. But if dem miss am, dem fit still chop the third or fourth position and move on to the next level.
E no go easy o, but hope dey shine bright for the Harimau Malaya (that na Indonesian nickname). This football matter don turn serious matter as dem ready to fight like lion to protect their World Cup dreams!
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
