Indonesia spared Thais in Tiger Cup group draw

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia may be relieved that it has not been drawn in the same group as defending champion Thailand, but the team's manager warned against taking other participants lightly at the upcoming Tiger Cup.

Indonesia, which will cohost the biennial soccer tournament among the Southeast Asian nations in December along with Singapore, is in Group A with Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines and Cambodia.

Singapore will play host to Malaysia, Laos and Thailand in Group B. Brunei Darussalam is the only absentee. The draw was staged at the Shangri-La hotel here on Saturday.

Indonesia finished runner-up to Thailand last season in Bangkok.

"We can by no means consider Vietnam and Myanmar easy opponents. They may pose a stumbling block and prevent Indonesia from reaching the next stage," the team's manager, Ismet D. Tahir, said, as quoted by Antara.

The tournament will run from Dec. 15 to Dec. 29. The Indonesian matches will be staged at the Bung Karno stadium with Lebak Bulus stadium in South Jakarta being reserved as an alternative venue.

The draw ceremony was attended by representatives of the nine participating countries. The host side was led by Agum Gumelar, chairman of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

Witnessing the draw ceremony were President of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Dato Ahmad Rithauddeen and Secretary- general Dato Paul Mony.

Soccer stars from the region were also present at the scene.

Bambang Pamungkas, the 2001 best player in the Indonesian League, said in a media conference that Indonesia as the hosting team must win the tournament.

He said that given the draw Indonesia should be able to go through to the next stage for a final that is likely to be against the reigning champion.

Thai star Kiatisuk Senamuang, who is nicknamed "Zico", relished the challenge and said his team was eager to repeat their victory over Indonesia.

Thailand beat Indonesia 4-1 in the 2000 final. The only goal for Indonesia was scored by Uston Nawawi.

However, Senamuang said his side would have to overcome the opposition from Malaysia and host Singapore.

"We are in a tough group. Everyone knows Singapore has two strong players," he said, referring to Nazri Nasir and Mohammad Muzammil, two of the stars on the island state's team.