PSSI will send a letter of protest to FIFA regarding the performance of referee Ahmed Al Kaf who led the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone between the Bahrain national team and the Indonesian national team, Thursday (10/10) evening WIB.
In the match played at the Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, Indonesia drew 2-2 with the hosts.
The Garuda team had a 2-1 lead before Mohamed Marhoon’s goal in the 99th minute brought Bahrain to equalize.
Also read: Get to know Ahmed Al-Khaf, the referee who will officiate the Bahrain vs Indonesia match
Referee Ahmed gave six minutes of additional time, but the match was played until the 99th minute.
“Yes, we sent a letter of protest,” said PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga in a written statement via the Whatsapp application, Friday (11/10) early morning.
“We are very disappointed with the referee’s leadership. Like adding time until Bahrain scored a goal,” he added.
Also read: Draw with the Bahrain National Team, the Indonesian National Team has not been defeated in the Third Round of World Cup Qualification
In this match, Indonesia conceded first when Marhoon’s kick in the 15th minute failed to be anticipated by goalkeeper Marteen Paes. Kick
Marhoon hit the crossbar first before crossing the Indonesian goal line.
Indonesia was able to equalize in the 45+3 minute. Mees Hilgers’ pass was used by Ragnar Oratmangoen to break into the hosts’ goal. The first half closed with the score 1-1.
The Garuda team took the lead in the 73rd minute. Starting with a quick attack, Rafael Struick completed the movement by releasing a measured kick into the top corner of the Bahrain goal which was guarded by Ebrahim Lutfalla. 2-1 for Indonesia’s advantage.
Also read: Shin Tae-yong confirms that Maarten Paes will play against the Bahrain national team
When Indonesia felt they could secure three points from this match, Bahrain scored an equalizer in the 99th minute. Marhoon was able to pass the corner kick to become a saving goal for the hosts, as well as breaking Indonesia’s hearts.
With this result, Indonesia is in fifth position in the Group C standings with three points, one point behind Bahrain which is in fourth position with four points.
In the next match, Indonesia will travel to the Chinese national team headquarters, Tuesday (15/10), while Bahrain will travel against Saudi Arabia on the same day. (Ant/Z-1)
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