ASEAN Cup: Indonesia boss fuming over 100% naturalised line-up against Singapore

Southeast Asian football has been rocked after Indonesia fielded an entirely naturalised starting XI against Singapore, while Vietnam boss Kim Sang-sik experiments with bold tactical tweaks ahead of their crucial clash with the Philippines.

2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup

10:11 - 27/09/2026

Fierce debate: Indonesia field 100% naturalised line-up

Indonesia players celebrate during their match against Singapore amid growing controversy over their fully naturalised starting line-up.

A 2-0 victory over Singapore at the Bung Karno, witnessed by 38,702 fans, was completely overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Indonesia's 100% naturalised starting line-up. With only two starters having featured in the ASEAN Championship just a month ago, Singapore boss John Herdman (51) was left fuming when questioned about opportunities for homegrown players.

Vietnam vs Philippines: Boss Kim Sang-sik trials surprise tactical tweaks

Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik directs his players during training ahead of their crucial clash against the Philippines.

Kicking off at 19:30 on 26 September at the Si Jalak Harupat, Vietnam will be without the injured Quang Hai and Thanh Chung, but are set to trial overseas-born duo Adou Minh and Williams Hoang. Meanwhile, the Philippines have called up 14 European and American-based stars as they look to break a 12-year winless hoodoo, while highly-rated 22-year-old forward Nguyen Dinh Bac has been named among FIFA's six players to watch.

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