The semi-finals of the 2020 AFF Suzuki Cup kick off on Wednesday with a mouthwatering clash as hosts Singapore face a youthful Indonesian side at the National Stadium.

The Lions finished as Group A runners-up to book their spot in the last four for the first time since 2012 and whilst they managed to avoid facing the defending champions, Vietnam, coach Tatsuma Yoshida said that they can’t underestimate Indonesia.

“We have to be ready to face any opponent and we know what we’re up against because I’m sure Indonesia will continue to play very aggressively as they have done throughout the tournament.

“Unfortunately we’ve lost Shakir Hamzah and Gabriel Quak to injuries but we have a way of playing that we believe in. We have to trust the concepts of how we want to play and try to beat them as a team.”

Goalkeeper Hassan Sunny also responded to some reported discontent from sections of the local crowd, urging the home fans to back the team.

“I was shocked by that but I’m sure it’s only a small minority and we can’t judge all the fans in the same way.

“We need the advantage because we’re playing at home and I know that with a lot of Indonesian fans also likely to turn up we need support from all over the country.”

The Garuda, too, return to the semi-finals after having missed out in the previous edition with coach Shin Tae-yong terming tomorrow’s clash a ‘final.’

“For the first two matches we were looking to raise our fitness levels and cohesion and from then on it’s been like we’ve played a series of finals.

“That’s the mentality that we have to have in every match going forward and I’ve already told the team that we will approach this match as if it is a final.”

The Korean coach also confirmed some key team news and cautioned that Singapore will likely to prove a stern opponent.

“Unfortunately (striker) Egy Maulana won’t be available because he only arrived in Singapore today but we’re hopeful that he’ll be available for the next match.

“We know that Singapore have the advantage as hosts and they have good qualities both in attack and defence so we need to remain focussed throughout the match.”