Indonesia national team earned first 3 points in this round after beating Saudi Arabia national team scoring 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 3 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.
Indonesia wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Ivar Jenner threading a perfectly timed through ball to Marselino Ferdinan in the opening minute. Marselino’s low shot beat Saudi goalkeeper Ahmed Al Kassar but was denied by the post, setting the tone for a high-intensity first half.
The home side nearly broke through again minutes later. Rizky Ridho launched a long ball to Ragnar Oratmangoen, whose shot inside the six-yard box was heroically blocked by Hassan Tambakti. The chaos in Saudi Arabia’s defense continued as Sandy Walsh’s dangerous cross forced a scrambling save from Al Kassar, only for Oratmangoen and Marselino to miss follow-up chances.
Indonesia’s relentless attacks saw Rafael Struick test Al Kassar in a one-on-one duel in the eighth minute, but the Saudi keeper managed to parry the Brisbane Roar midfielder’s grounded attempt. Despite multiple scares, Saudi Arabia struggled to establish any rhythm, with their best first-half effort—a Marwan Al Sahafi shot—flying well over the bar in the 19th minute.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute. Ragnar Oratmangoen stormed down the left wing and delivered a pinpoint cutback to Marselino Ferdinan, who struck a thunderous shot past Al Kassar. The goal left the Saudi defense stunned and gave Indonesia a well-deserved lead.
Saudi Arabia sought an immediate response, with Faisal Al Ghamdi testing Indonesian keeper Maarten Paes shortly after. However, missed chances from Nasser Al Dawsari and Feras Al Brikan encapsulated the visitors’ frustrating first half.
Harve Renard’s Saudi Arabia returned from the break with renewed vigor but left themselves vulnerable at the back. In the 57th minute, Calvin Verdonk exploited a gap in their defense, surging into the box and setting up Marselino. After seeing his initial attempt blocked, Marselino coolly chipped the rebound over Al Kassar to double Indonesia’s lead.
Saudi Arabia increased the pressure, but Indonesia’s defense held firm. Even after Justin Hubner’s late dismissal in the 89th minute for a second yellow card, Indonesia’s 10 men stood resolute to secure a famous victory.
Indonesia’s triumph positions them strongly in Group A. They will face Australia away when the qualifiers resume in March, while Saudi Arabia, now under pressure, will host China PR.
Credit Photo : AFC
