MANILA, Philippines - The fiercely competitive and hugely unpredictable AFF Suzuki Cup reaches its climax in Jakarta tonight with the young Tigers of Malaysia looking to protect a three-goal advantage over shell-shocked Indonesia in what is sure to be a pressure-cooker atmosphere in the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
But speedy Indonesian winger Oktovianus Maniani and the influential Malaysian duo of Amirulhadi Zainal and Mahalli Jasuli will have to watch the final match from the sidelines.
The three players picked up their second bookings of the tournament during Malaysia’s 3-0 win over Indonesia in the first leg at Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Jalil Stadium on Boxing Day.
They were among eight players from both sides who were carrying yellow cards and risked missing the final if they picked up a second booking.
Malaysia pulled off a surprise 3-0 victory over favorites Indonesia in the first leg of the final before 80,000 fans at Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Jalil Stadium on Sunday.
The youthful Malaysian side, full of confidence after beating defending champions Vietnam, 2-0, on aggregate in the semifinals and sensing a first ever AFF Suzuki Cup crown, ran riot during a spellbinding 12-minute period in the second half to take control of the two-leg final.