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File photo—Executive committee member of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Arya Sinulingga, issuing a statement after attending a PSSI event in Jakarta on February 6, 2024. (ANTARA/Aloysius Lewokeda) 

VOI News, Jakarta: The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has stated that  it will send a letter of protest to FIFA against referee Ahmed Al Kaf's timekeeping call in the third-round match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Indonesia went up against Bahrain in the match at the Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, on Thursday.

As reported by Antara News Agency on Saturday (12/10), during the match, Indonesia drew 2-2 against the host. The Garuda squad was leading 2-1 before a goal by Bahrain's Mohamed Marhoon equalized the score in the 99th minute.

Referee Ahmed gave six minutes of additional time, but the match was played until the 99th minute.

"Yes, we will send a letter of protest," PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga said in a written statement released on Friday morning.

"We were very disappointed with the referee's leadership. Like adding the time until Bahrain scored a goal," he pointed out.

At first, Indonesia conceded when Marhoon's shot in the 15th minute failed to be anticipated by goalkeeper Marteen Paes. Marhoon's kick hit the crossbar first before crossing the goal line.

Still, Indonesia managed to even the score at the 45+3 minute mark, when Mees Hilgers' pass was utilized by Ragnar Oratmangoen to score a goal against the host.

Thus, the first half ended with a draw of 1-1.

The Garuda team took the lead around the 73rd minute in the second half. Starting with a quick attack, Rafael Struick finished the movement with a corner kick to Bahrain guarded by Ebrahim Lutfalla, taking the score to 2-1.

Just when Indonesia felt they could secure three points in the match, Bahrain equalized in the 99th minute.

Marhoon continued a corner kick, scoring the goal that saved the host but it broke the hearts of Indonesians.

With this result, Indonesia is in 5th place in the Group C standings with three points, one point behind Bahrain.

Indonesia will next compete against China on Tuesday, while Bahrain will take on Saudi Arabia on the same day. (Antara)