Indonesian U-16 Wing-Back Dies From Encephalitis
Jakarta. Alfin Farhan Lestaluhu, a wing-back in the under-16 national football team, has died from brain disease at a Jakarta hospital, the Indonesian Football Association, or PSSI, said on Friday.
"The PSSI family extends its condolences over the passing of Alfin. Our prayer goes to him and his loved ones. We thank Alfin for his contribution to the Indonesian national team," PSSI secretary-general Ratu Tisha Destria said in a statement.
Alfin died while he was undergoing treatment at the Harapan Kita Hospital on Thursday night. Doctors said he died from encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain.
His funeral was held on Friday at Alfin's hometown of Tulehu in Ambon, the capital of the Maluku province.
Alfin last played with the national team in the U-16 Asian Cup qualification last month, where he scored a goal and helped bring Indonesia to the final round in Bahrain.
He was diagnosed with encephalitis soon after the Sept. 26 earthquake that rattled Ambon and damaged his home. Alfin was first treated at the Ambon Military Hospital before being transferred to Jakarta.