Irfan, Andik lead the way for Indonesia

By FOX Sports staff

Merah Putih get their qualification campaign in Group C underway this week with a tough game against Iraq, which will be played at the Al Rashid Stadium in Dubai because of security concerns.

Having just been handed a 5-0 friendly defeat by Jordan last Thursday, many are expecting Indonesia to be in for another tough outing against the Iraqis, who won the Asian Cup back in 2007 and reached the quarter-finals four years later.

However, coach Nil Maizar will have some of his best players at his disposal after it emerged that forward Irfan Bachdim is available for selection, and has been named in the squad alongside wingers Andik Vermansah and Oktovianus Maniani, as well as Dutch-born utility Raphael Maitimo, who was one of the few Indonesian players to make an impact at last year's AFF Suzuki Cup.

Irfan's inclusion comes a huge boost given he's currently embroiled in a tug-of-war between new club Chonburi and former employers Persema Malang, who insist he is still contracted to them despite the players' claims he has not been paid for eight months.

Nil has also decided to introduce a number of youngsters to his side, including 20-year-old defender Agus Nova Wiantara and 22-year-old striker Mario Aibekop.

Indonesia squad to face Iraq on February 6, 2013

Goalkeepers: Endra Prasetya (Persebaya 1927), Wahyu Tri Nugroho (Persiba Bantul)

Defenders: Ketut Mahendra (PSM Makassar), Handi Ramdhan, Nopendi (both Persiba Bantul), Virga Liswanto (PS AU), Eldjo Iba (PON Papua), Syaiful Indra Cahya (Persema Malang), Novan Setyo Sasongko, Wahyu Wijiastanto (both Semen Padang), Agus Nova Wiantara (Persires Bali Devata)

Midfielders: Rasyid Bakri (PSM Makassar), Slamet Nurcahyo (Persiba Bantul), Oktovianus Maniani, Raphael Maitimo, Stevie Bonsapia (all Unattached), Amandus Weubun (PSBS Biak Numfor), Muhammad Taufiq, Andik Vermansah (both Persebaya 1927), Hendra Bayauw, Vendry Mofu (both Semen Padang)

Forwards: Irfan Bachdim (Chonburi), Mario Aibekop (PSBS Biak Numfor)