Bahrain and Indonesia battled to a 2-2 draw in their AFC Asian Qualifiers Group C match. A late Bahrain equalizer denied Indonesia their first win. The match was filled with drama and excitement, leaving both teams with hopes for qualification still alive.
Bahrain scored a dramatic equaliser in the ninth minute of added time to secure a 2-2 draw against Indonesia, denying the latter their first win in the AFC Asian Qualifiers. Indonesia, in their debut campaign, had already earned commendable draws against Saudi Arabia and Australia.
Bahrain took an early lead in the 15th minute with a stunning free-kick from Mohamed Marhoon, the ball hitting the crossbar before crossing the line. Marhoon had another near miss a minute later. Bahrain dominated the first half, with Ali Madan and Amine Benaddi coming close to scoring. However, Indonesia capitalized on a defensive lapse in the third minute of added time, Ragnar Oratmangoen seizing a loose ball to equalize before halftime.
Indonesia made substitutions at halftime, introducing Rizky Ridho and Eliano Reijnders. Bahrain also made changes in the 65th minute. Indonesia then took the lead in the 74th minute with a superb strike from Rafael Struick. Bahrain pushed hard for an equalizer, and their efforts were rewarded with a late goal from Marhoon following a corner.
Indonesia will next play China on October 15th, while Bahrain face Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia's FIFA Complaint
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding referee Ahmed Al Kaf's performance. PSSI claims that Al Kaf's decision to extend added time by three minutes, leading to Bahrain's late equalizer, was unfair. The PSSI believes this cost Indonesia a well-deserved victory.
Following the match, Indonesia's coaching staff and players expressed their anger at the referee's decisions, with head coach Shin Tae-yong and team leader Kombes Pol Sumardji confronting the fourth official. Sumardji was sent off. Further disputes arose near the tunnel involving players from both teams.
Coach Shin criticized the referee's apparent bias in his post-match press conference, echoing previous controversies involving his strong reactions to refereeing decisions in the 2024 AFC U23 Asian Cup and Olympic qualification playoffs.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of referee Al Kaf on social media, with many calling for his suspension. The draw leaves Indonesia in fifth place in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They are now aiming for a third or fourth-place finish to advance.
