Japanese Referee Kasahara to Officiate Indonesia vs Laos in AFF Cup 2024
Japanese Referee Hiroki Kasahara to Officiate Indonesia vs. Laos AFF Match
solo, Indonesia – Japanese referee Hiroki Kasahara will take charge of the highly anticipated Group B clash between Indonesia and Laos at Stadion Manahan, Solo, on Thursday, December 12th. This marks Kasahara’s first time officiating a senior Indonesian national team match, although he has a history with the Garuda Muda.
The 36-year-old referee has previously overseen four matches for Indonesia’s U-23 team during the 2023 AFF U-23 Championship. Indonesia U-23 secured victories against the Philippines and Thailand under Kasahara’s watch, but suffered defeats against Malaysia and Vietnam.
One particular encounter stands out: the final of the 2023 AFF U-23 Championship against Vietnam. During the match, Vietnamese player Nguyen Hong Phuc struck Indonesian U-23 player Haykal Alhafiz on the back of the head.
The incident, which occurred in the 113th minute, went unpunished by Kasahara. He did not issue a card to Hong phuc, sparking outrage from Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong, who criticized the referee’s lack of awareness. Vietnam ultimately triumphed over Indonesia in a penalty shootout.
However, the upcoming match against Laos will be officiated under the watchful eye of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a technology not available during the U-23 final.
Despite the past controversy, Indonesia enters the Laos match brimming with confidence. The Garuda have never lost to Laos in seven previous AFF encounters.
Indonesia kicked off their AFF 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Myanmar in Yangon on Monday, December 9th. Simultaneously occurring, Laos suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat against Vietnam.
The stage is set for an exciting encounter as Indonesia aims to maintain their winning streak against Laos and solidify their position in Group B.
Experienced, Yet Controversial: Japanese Referee Kasahara to Officiate Indonesia vs. Laos
Solo, Indonesia – Bringing a wealth of experience, but also carrying a hint of controversy, Japanese referee Hiroki kasahara has been appointed to officiate teh crucial Group B match between Indonesia and Laos at Stadion Manahan, Solo, on Thursday, December 12th. This marks Kasahara’s first official encounter with the Indonesian senior national team, though he is familiar with Indonesian football, having overseen four matches for the Garuda Muda during the 2023 AFF U-23 Championship.
While indonesia U-23 secured victories against the Philippines and Thailand during Kasahara’s reign, they also suffered defeats against Malaysia and Vietnam. Notably, kasahara presided over the final of the 2023 AFF U-23 Championship against Vietnam, a match that saw controversy surrounding a headbutt by Vietnamese player Nguyen Hong Phuc on Indonesian U-23 player Haykal Alhafiz.
Kasahara’s decision to not issue a card for the incident drew heavy criticism from Indonesian coach Shin Tae-yong, who questioned his lack of awareness.Vietnam ultimately triumphed over Indonesia in a penalty shootout.
adding to the intrigue, this upcoming match against Laos will be officiated with the aid of Video assistant Referee (VAR), a technology absent during the U-23 final.
Despite this past controversy, Indonesia enters the Laos encounter brimming with confidence and a history of dominance, having never lost to Laos in seven previous AFF encounters.Coming off a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Myanmar in their opening match, indonesia aim to continue their winning streak against Laos, further solidifying their position in Group B.Laos, on the other hand, will be seeking redemption after suffering a 1-4 defeat against Vietnam in their opening match.