Saudi Arabia showcased resilience and attacking flair as Feras Al Brikan’s brace powered them to a 3-2 comeback victory over Indonesia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers Round 4 Group B at King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah.
It was the visitors who struck first, capitalizing on a shaky Saudi start. In the 11th minute, Al Hilal defender Hassan Al Tambakhti conceded a penalty after handling the ball during a Dean James delivery. Kevin Diks, eager to make amends for his earlier miss against Australia, made no mistake this time — drilling his effort low and hard past Nawaf Al Aqidi to give Patrick Kluivert’s men a dream start.
However, the Saudis responded swiftly. Just six minutes later, Saleh Abu Al Shamat curled a precise right-footed strike beyond Maarten Paes to bring the hosts level. The equalizer ignited the home crowd, and Saudi Arabia began to dominate possession and chances.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when referee Ahmad Al Ali awarded a second penalty — this time for a shirt pull by Yakob Sayuri on Al Brikan. The Al Ahli striker stepped up confidently and buried the spot-kick to make it 2-1.
Al Shamat nearly extended the lead with a thunderous strike that cannoned off the crossbar, but Al Brikan would not be denied his second. In the 62nd minute, Musab Al Juwayr’s low drive was parried by Paes, and Al Brikan reacted quickest to slot home the rebound — sending the home supporters into raptures.
Indonesia refused to back down, and Diks struck again from the penalty spot in the 88th minute after Nawaf Bu Washl handled inside the area. The Dutch-born defender’s double kept the contest alive, but the Green Falcons held firm despite a late red card to Mohammed Kanno for a rash challenge.
With the 3-2 victory, Saudi Arabia sit comfortably atop Group B and are one win away from sealing direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They next face Iraq in Jeddah on Tuesday, while Indonesia must defeat Graham Arnold’s Australia on Saturday to keep their qualification dreams alive.
Credit Photo : SAFF
