REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir appreciates the struggle of Jay Idzes and his comrades who narrowly defeated hosts Bahrain in the third round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifier which took place at Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa, on Thursday (10/10/2024). In the third match in Group C, the national team and Bahrain drew 2-2.

“That's football. Many factors determine the final result. The chances of winning first had to come off in injury time. Next, I ask, everything in the national team, players, coaches, officials should focus on the match following the Chinese opponent. Prove we can steal more points at the opponent's home. I also ask the supporters to continue and not stop giving mental support to the national players,” said Erick Thohir in Jakarta, Friday (11/10/2024).

The Indonesian national team showed an impressive performance against Bahrain in the match led by Oman's FIFA referee Ahmed Al Kahf. After trailing 0-1 through Mohamed Marhoon's goal, Indonesia could turn around a 2-1 lead through goals from Ragnar Oratmangoen and Rafael Struick.

Unfortunately, the victory that is already in front of these eyes is great. Marhoon was able to score the equaliser in the ninth minute of injury time. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

“There are many opinions about the match against Bahrain. But, I hope the players and the coaching team have forgotten that, and put together a more mature strategy to face China in four more days. Moreover, the situation is different. From weather, physical readiness, including recovery, to opponents who have ambitions to win their first points. It's something we have to be more focused on and be aware of,” Erick explained.

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