Jakarta: Title heavyweights Indonesia get their AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 campaign underway at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Friday as they host a Cambodian side still riding the wave of an historic opening day victory.

In a nation that’s finished runners-up on a record six occasions there is huge pressure and expectation on Indonesia to finally break through for a maiden title but coach Shin Tae-yong said he’s not focussing on the outside noise.

“I’m not worried about what other nations, such as Thailand or Malaysia, may be doing and rather I’m just focussed on our squad and our preparation.”

Given Cambodia’s impressive 3-2 win over the Philippines earlier in the week, the Korean coach knows exactly what kind of a threat the visiting side will pose.

“Cambodia are in a good condition and we know that they will make things really tough for us but we’ve also prepared well and will do everything we can to win the game.”

That’s also the aim for the surprise early joint Group A leaders Cambodia who will be looking to back up their fine opening showing at home against the Philippines with another strong effort in Jakarta.

Head Coach Ryu Hirose noted though that the quick turnaround and travel have presented his side with challenges that they must overcome.

“We’ve prepared well but we have a tough schedule having to play just one day after traveling to Indonesia but all we can do is our best and I’m hopeful of a good result tomorrow.”

The Japanese coach also noted that having overcome the Azkals his youthful side should now approach their remaining matches with genuine confidence and belief.

“If you look at the FIFA rankings you can see the gap between the teams and we know we may be the outsiders in this tournament but we’ve been preparing well tactically and in the previous match we did well and that can give us confidence for this match.”