On its website, AFC said Indonesia and Vietnam are two teams that need no introduction to each other. The duo have faced off in Southeast Asia for many a year, giving watchers some of the most memorable clashes at the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Cup – most recently in the semi-final of the 2022 edition when Vietnam won 2-0 on aggregate. 

However, what makes January 19’s match all the more special is the fact that it will be the first time in 52 years that two Southeast Asian sides will meet at the AFC Asian Cup.

According to the AFC, Vietnam will hope to build on 2019 and make another knockout stage appearance, but will have to do it under new head coach Philippe Troussier who will lead them into their first major tournament since the departure of the hugely successful Park Hang-seo early last year.  

Meanwhile, it will be momentous for Shin Tae-yong’s Garuda as they return to the continental stage for the first time since 2007 when they were co-hosts alongside Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. And with an intense rivalry between the supporters, the two sides will aim for nothing but a win when they face off in their second group outing, it said.

The other four highly anticipated matches include Qatar vs Lebanon, Iran vs the UAE in Group C, Australia vs Uzbekistan in Group B, and Saudi Arabia vs Thailand in Group F.

Vietnam is poised to make its debut in Group D, facing Japan on January 15 before the clash against Indonesia on January 19./.VNA