Jakarta. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) plans to protest to FIFA over referee Ahmed Al Kaf's performance in the recent match against Bahrain during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Indonesia was held to a draw in the final minute after nine minutes of stoppage time.
The controversy took place when Indonesia was leading 2-1 against the host team, and the referee announced six minutes of stoppage time. However, the match continued until the 99th minute, allowing Bahrain to equalize with a goal from Mohamed Marhoon.
“We will send a letter of protest,” said Arya Sinulingga, a member of PSSI’s Executive Committee, in a written statement on Friday. “We are very disappointed with the referee's performance. It felt like he extended the time until Bahrain scored.”
In this match, Indonesia initially fell behind when Marhoon's shot in the 15th minute found the back of the net, despite the ball hitting the post beforehand. However, Indonesia equalized in stoppage time of the first half when Ragnar Oratmangoen capitalized on a pass from Mees Hilgers, bringing the score to 1-1 at halftime.
The Garudas took the lead in the 73rd minute, thanks to a well-placed shot by Rafael Struick, giving Indonesia a 2-1 advantage.
Just when Indonesia seemed secure in their lead, Bahrain equalized in the 99th minute, with Marhoon converting a corner kick into a goal.
This result leaves Indonesia in fifth place in Group C with three points, one point behind Bahrain, which sits in fourth with four points.
Next, Indonesia will face China on Tuesday. Bahrain will also play away on the same day against Saudi Arabia, while Japan hosts Australia in another match in the group.
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