Indonesia Draws 2-2 Against Bahrain in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
- Instagram @timnas.indonesia
Bahrain, VIVA – The Indonesian national team failed to secure their third victory when they played away at Bahrain in their third match of Group C for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Asia zone.
In the match held at Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday (Oct 10), Indonesia ended in a 2-2 draw against Bahrain.
Indonesia's goals came from Ragnar Oratmangoen and Rafael Struick. This match marked Rafael’s first goal at the senior level.
Duel Timnas Bahrain vs Timnas Indonesia
- Instagram @timnas.indonesia
Meanwhile, Bahrain took the lead twice with goals from free kicks by Mohamed Marhoon.
With this result, Indonesia sits in second place in Group C with five points from three matches played.
The first threat to Indonesia came from Mohamed Marhoon's shot in the 53rd minute. Marhoon, trying to penetrate from the left side, unleashed a placed shot, but the ball went well wide of the goal.
Unlike the first half, Indonesian players appeared more comfortable and were able to develop their play in the second half. Aggressive play was beginning to show from Indonesia’s wing side.
Shin Tae-yong's team attempted to threaten with a free-kick opportunity in the 70th minute.
Calvin Verdonk, who took the kick, fired a long-range shot, but Bahrain's goalkeeper, Ebrahim Lutfalla, managed to secure the ball.
Rafael Struick turned the game around and gave Indonesia a 2-1 lead over Bahrain in the 74th minute.
Through a counterattack, Thom Haye directed the ball to Struick's feet. Left unmarked, Struick comfortably fired a placed shot from outside the penalty box, aiming toward the right side of the goal.
Indonesia nearly conceded due to a header by Jay Idzes in the 80th minute. Jay, while attempting to clear a free kick, redirected the ball dangerously, but fortunately, Paes managed to save it.
Mohamed Marhoon denied Indonesia's victory at the last moment, scoring from a corner kick in the 90+9th minute.
This goal was controversial as it occurred beyond the allotted injury time. Six minutes of extra time had been given.
However, Omani referee Ahmed Abu Bakar Said Al Kaf did not blow the final whistle, allowing play to continue beyond the six minutes of stoppage time.
