The hopes of the Indonesian national team for a victory against Bahrain were shattered by a late strike from Mohamed Marhoon in the 90+9 minute. The Garuda squad had to settle for a 2-2 tie during the Group C confrontation in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
A group of Indonesian athletes, coaching staff, and head coach Shin Tae-yong expressed their dissatisfaction, accusing referee Ahmed Al Kaf of unnecessarily prolonging the match duration. Indonesian National Team Manager Sumardji even received a red card due to his intense protests.
In the match held at the Bahrain National Stadium on Thursday (10/10/2024) starting at 23.00 WIB, Indonesia initially held a 2-1 lead in the second half thanks to Rafael Struick’s goal against Ebrahim Lutfalla at the 74th minute. The shot from the player, who recently joined Brisbane Roar, left the Bahraini goalkeeper powerless as the ball found its way into the net.
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The contest continued with additional time designated by the referee in the 90th minute. Bahrain effectively utilized this extra time, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in the Indonesian defense.
The initial goal of the Bahrain vs Indonesia match was scored by Marhoon as well. His free kick, executed 15 minutes into the match, struck the Indonesian crossbar before crossing the goal line, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Maarten Paes.
As the first half came to an end, Ragnar Oratmangoen converted a pass from Indonesian defender Mees Hilgers to equalize the score at 1-1.
The result of this away match against Bahrain leaves Indonesia in fifth place with 3 points. Current standings in Group C are led by Japan with 6 points, closely followed by Saudi Arabia and Australia, each boasting 4 points. China remains at the bottom with no points, having suffered three losses in three matches. (Ant/X-10)
The recent encounter between Indonesia and Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has ignited significant controversy and discussion among fans and analysts alike. The match, conducted at the Bahrain National Stadium, concluded in a tense 2-2 draw, with Bahrain equalizing in the dying moments of the encounter, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Marhoon in the 90+9 minute. This late effort left Indonesian supporters disheartened, as the Garuda squad had fought valiantly to hold a one-goal edge until the final seconds.
One of the primary sources of criticism has been the officiating, particularly from referee Ahmed Al Kaf. Numerous observers, both in the media and among fans, have condemned his choice to extend the added time excessively, which was pivotal in allowing Bahrain to equalize. Reports indicate that the extension has been deemed unjust, raising concerns regarding the integrity and consistency of officiating in critical matches of this nature.
Adding to the situation, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has taken the somewhat uncommon measure of lodging a formal complaint regarding the officiating during this match. Such actions highlight the seriousness of the circumstance and emphasize how crucial perceived errors in officiating can be for teams striving to qualify for international tournaments.
From a tactical standpoint, Indonesia demonstrated admirable performance until that crucial moment, showcasing their capability to compete on an international platform. However, the failure to clinch a victory against Bahrain—a team often regarded as a rival, especially in their shared regional context—leaves a bitter taste for the Garuda squad. This match could serve as an important lesson in finishing games, notably under the pressure of high-stakes scenarios.
The overall narrative of this match not only reflects the fierce competition in Southeast Asian football but also underscores the relationship between team performance and officiating quality. As football continues to gain traction within the region, it becomes increasingly vital for governing bodies to ensure that officiating standards align with the expectations set by players and fans alike.
While the 2-2 draw certainly feels like a missed chance for Indonesia, the subsequent discussions surrounding refereeing and officiating might lead to significant changes in how matches are overseen. It is through such challenges that football evolves, and perhaps this incident could act as a catalyst for enhancement both on and off the field.
The recent match between the Indonesian national football team and Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has quickly transitioned from a sporting encounter to a focal point of controversy, debate, and emotional discourse among fans, players, and analysts alike. Ending in a dramatic 2-2 draw, the match notably featured a last-minute goal from Bahraini striker Mohamed Marhoon, which came in the dying seconds of the game (90+9 minute). This late equalizer not only dashed Indonesia’s hopes for a victory but also sparked an outpouring of frustration and dissatisfaction from the Garuda squad and their supporters.
Analyzing the key moments of the match reveals that Indonesia had the momentum with a 2-1 lead following a well-executed goal from Rafael Struick in the second half. Unfortunately, the match’s turning point appeared to be the officiating, led by referee Ahmed Al Kaf, who has come under intense scrutiny for his decisions, particularly regarding the amount of added time. The duration added to the match has been called into question by Indonesian officials, including Team Manager Sumardji, who received a red card for his vehement protests during the final moments of the match.
This incident highlights a recurring theme in contemporary sports—refereeing inconsistencies and the impact they have on a game’s outcome. Fans and analysts have taken to social media and sports forums to voice their opinions on the officiating, suggesting that it not only affected the immediate outcome but also the morale of the Indonesian team as they navigate their World Cup qualifying campaign. The atmosphere surrounding the match was charged, exacerbated by the fact that Indonesia had worked hard to secure a lead, only to watch it unravel due to a single moment of defensive lapse during stoppage time.
Furthermore, the implications of this draw are significant for Indonesia’s standing in Group C, positioning them in fifth place with only 3 points, whereas the competition is led by Japan with 6 points. The stakes are undeniably high as Indonesia continues its quest for World Cup qualification, and matches like these create a palpable sense of urgency and resolve among players and fans alike.
The narrative of the match will likely linger in the minds of supporters and sports commentators, prompting discussions on the importance of accountability and transparent officiating in sports, as well as the emotional toll such match outcomes can have on teams vying for international recognition. The combination of a heartbreaking finish and contentious officiating could potentially shape Indonesia’s approach to future matches, both tactically on the field and strategically in terms of how they address officiating with governing bodies.
the Bahrain vs. Indonesia match serves as a case study of how sports can evoke strong emotions and reveal deeper issues within the game, encapsulating the passion of supporters, the pressures on teams, and the crucial role of officiating in determining the outcomes of high-stakes competitions. As both teams regroup and look towards their next matches, the lessons learned from this encounter will undoubtedly influence their strategies moving forward.
